| Abstract |
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system. In MS, oligodendrocytes, the cells that wrap axons in a protective coating called myelin that allows for efficient cell signaling, are degraded. Due to high concentrations of n-acetylaspartate (NAA) found in healthy oligodendrocytes, it is thought to be utilized as a lipid source for myelin synthesis, and could prove to be a beneficial supplement for those who suffer from MS. In this study we examined what effect NAA had on myelin formation in the cuprizone mouse model of MS. We treated the mice with NAA and then determined the concentration of NAA in the brain via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Myelin staining, imaging, and densitometry were performed in order to determine the quality and density of myelin. We also looked at gene activity involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, as well as examining several behavioral phenotypes.
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| Modified Abstract |
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system. In MS, oligodendrocytes, the cells that wrap axons in a protective coating called myelin that allows for efficient cell signaling, are degraded. N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is found in healthy oligodendrocytes, it is thought to be utilized as a lipid source for myelin synthesis, and could prove to be a beneficial supplement for those who suffer from MS. In this study we examined what effect NAA had on myelin formation in the cuprizone mouse model of MS.
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