| Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of the central nerve system (CNS), which
affects the brain and spinal cord. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the most commonly
applied experimental model for studying the MS. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Sesamum
indicum seeds oil on Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice.
Methods: Sesame oil was administrated intraperitoneally three days before immunization. IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-17
and TGF-β levels and mRNA expression in supernatant of and within cultured mononuclear cells were assessed.
Results: According to our results, sesame oil treated mice demonstrated signifi cant disease severity
reduction (P=0.01 and 0.001, respectively). Treated EAE mice also represented statistically signifi cant delay
in the onset of symptoms in comparison with control group. The average IFN-γ levels and mRNA of sesame
oil treated EAE mice were less than untreated EAE group. IL-10 and TGF-β levels and mRNA did not differ
signifi cantly in sesame oil treated EAE mice in comparison to untreated EAE group. IL-17 levels and mRNA were
also found to be decreased signifi cantly in treated mice in comparison to untreated mice.
Conclusions: Even thoughTH1 and TH17 cells through secretion of IFN-γ and IL-17, respectively, are
involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and EAE, but IL-10 has been shown to exhibit suppressive
effects on these disorders. It can be concluded that sesame oil is able to induce TH2 and TH17-related immune
responses and suppress TH1 type in EAE. |