Modulation of Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis in Lewis Rats by Administration of a Peptide of Fas Ligand

The effects of modulation of apoptosis in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Lewis rats have been investigated using a peptide of the Fas-Ligand protein (FasL-p). The peptide was administered both subcutaneously and intra-cerebro-ventricularly (i.c.v.) after EAE induction. Rats treated subcutaneously with FasL-p showed a worse clinical score as compared to saline treated animals, while i.c.v. treatment with FasL-p did not modify significantly the severity of EAE. Apoptotic lymphomonocytes (identified by TUNEL) infiltrating the brain and the spinal cord were decreased in rats treated i.c.v. with FasL-p. The data suggest that the Fas/Fas-ligand pathway may be modulated by treatments with peptides of Fas-Ligand and that it may be at work within the central nervous system in EAE.