β-Caryophyllene causes remyelination and modifies cytokines expression in C57BL/6 mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of β-Caryophyllene (BCP) on the production of IL-17, transcription factors (T-bet and GATA-3), and remyellination in C57BL/6 mice induced for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the model for studying pathogenesis and new therapies for multiple sclerosis. EAE was induced in three groups of C57BL/6, with administration of BCP in two groups (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) by gavage, after the 10th day of induction. At 9 days of treatment, mice were euthanized and CNS was removed for the analysis. The profiles of IL-17, T-bet, GATA-3, and the possible remyelination properties were investigated in the central nervous system (CNS) by immunohistochemistry and Weigert-Pal-Russel's method, respectively. BCP group (50 mg/kg/day) showed a reduction of IL-17 in brain, cerebellum, and medulla (p < 0.05) and a decrease of T-bet (p < 0.05) in medulla and cerebellum, while GATA-3 was increased (p < 0.05) in cerebellum. In both BCP-treated groups were observed remyelination and better organization of myelin. In conclusion, BCP possesses markedly in vivo anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities and remyelination properties in EAE-mice.