Assessing Motor Function in an Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis Mouse Model

Place a mouse on a treadmill to record its running motion, assessing its motor function, which represents the ability to control body movements.

After the test, inject Pertussis toxin into the abdominal cavity of the anesthetized mouse, to weaken its blood-nerve barrier.

Next, remove the hair between the mouse's shoulder blades, disinfect the area, and inject myelin-mimicking peptides with an adjuvant into the subcutaneous tissue.

Repeat both injections for optimal reactions. 

The peptides stimulate antigen-presenting cells, which migrate to the lymph nodes and produce autoreactive T-cells.

These T-cells enter the bloodstream, cross the impaired blood-nerve barrier, and target peripheral nerves, leading to the release of cytokines.

This attracts macrophages and B-cells, which release effector molecules that degrade the myelin sheath.

The breakdown of myelin impairs nerve signal transmission and the onset of experimental autoimmune neuritis or EAN.

Finally, repeat the treadmill test. The mouse shows difficulty running and coordinating limb movements, indicating motor dysfunction.