Publication Date:
2012-05-30
Description:
The development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis, has been studied in mice that were (i) vitamin D-deficient, (ii) minus the vitamin D receptor, (iii) minus a vitamin D 25-hydroxylase, and (iv) minus the vitamin D 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase. EAE development was markedly suppressed in mice lacking the vitamin D receptor and partially suppressed in vitamin D-insufficient mice. However, the absence of either of the two key hydroxylases (i.e., 25-hydroxylase and 1α-hydroxylase) neither inhibits nor enhances the development of EAE. These results indicate that vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor are required for the development of EAE. The results also suggest that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 may not play a role in this autoimmune response.
Print ISSN:
0027-8424
Electronic ISSN:
1091-6490
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
,
Natural Sciences in General
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