Prenatal stress-induced sex differences in the incidence and course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in rats

  • S. V. Utevska
  • V. V. Geyko

Abstract

Aim. The research is aimed at investigating the effect of prenatal stress on the incidence and course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in four-month-old rats, offspring of females with different sensitivity to EAE induction. Methods. The incidence and severity of EAE (duration of latent period (LP)), the maximum level of neurological deficit (KSmax) and the duration of the period from the first to the maximum manifestations of neurological deficit (T)) were analyzed in rats with induced EAE. Results. A decrease in the incidence of EAE in prenatally stressed four-month-old females, whose mothers were sensitive to induction of EAE, was found. Differences in the dynamics of EAE course in males from the control and prenatally stressed group were revealed. Conclusions.The EAE incidence and EAE course traits in four-month-old rats depend on a complex of factors: mother's sensitivity to induction of EAE, prenatal stress and offspring sex.

Keywords: experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, prenatal stress, sex, sensitivity to induction of EAE.

 

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