Effects of Prolactin on Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis in Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Esquifino Ana I, Cano Pilar, Zapata Agustín, Cardinali Daniel P
Primary Institution: Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
Hypothesis
The presence of an ectopic pituitary affects the severity and duration of clinical signs of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Lewis rats.
Conclusion
Low circulating prolactin levels coincide with the absence of clinical signs of EAE in Lewis rats.
Supporting Evidence
- Only sham-operated rats exhibited clinical signs of the disease when assessed on day 15 after immunization.
- A progressive decrease in plasma prolactin levels was observed in pituitary-grafted rats.
- Rats administered the dopaminergic agonist bromocriptine showed very low plasma prolactin levels and did not exhibit any clinical sign of EAE.
Takeaway
Rats with lower prolactin levels didn't show signs of a disease called EAE, which is similar to multiple sclerosis in humans.
Methodology
Two experiments were conducted with male Lewis rats, one involving pituitary grafting and the other administering bromocriptine to assess prolactin levels and clinical signs of EAE.
Potential Biases
Caution is advised in extrapolating results to human disease.
Limitations
Results may not be directly applicable to human disease due to differences between the rat model and human multiple sclerosis.
Participant Demographics
Male Lewis rats, 6 weeks old, weighing 140–170 g.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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