Free radicals and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Abstract

This chapter reviews the major reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, their generation and their relevance for EAE. The relative contribution of NO and ONOO- species is discussed and the current literature EAE reviewed. The dual nature of free radicals, pathogenic and protective, and the correspondingly conflicting results of therapeutic interventions aimed at diminishing free radicals (in particular reactive nitrogen species), are also discussed in this chapter.