Abstract:

Objective    To explore the roles of T helper cell 17（Th17）in experimental autoimmune neuritis（EAN） by observing expressions of Th17-interrelated cytokines IL-17 and IL-23. Methods    EAN was induced in Lewis rats by immunization with bovine peripheral myelin（BPM）and complete Freund′s adjuvant(CFA)． The clinical score of rats and pathological changes in the sciatic nerve of rats were observed. Expressions of IL-17 and IL-23 protein and mRNA in the sciatic nerve were measured by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR technology． Results    Rats developed EAN with the maximum of clinical score on day 15 post-immunization（p.i）. The peak number of IL-17-positive cells and maximum of IL-17 mRNA expression in the sciatic nerve were detected on day 15 p.i. However， the peak number of IL-23-positive cells and maximum of IL-23 mRNA expression in the sciatic nerve were detected on day 9 p.i. Conclusion    IL-17 plays an important role in the development of EAN and IL-23 correlates with induction of the disease．

Key words: T-lymphocytes, helper-inducer; Neuritis, experimental allergic; Interleukin-17; Interleukin-23