Acta Neuropathologica

, Volume 23, Issue 2, pp 95–104 | Cite as

A comparison of the effects of melengestrol acetate with a combination of hydrocortisone acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate and with other steroids in the treatment of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in Wistar rats

  • G. A. Elliott
  • A. J. Gibbons
  • M. E. Greig
Original Investigations
Received:
Accepted:

Summary

The following steroids were administered to female Wistar rats (Manor Farms or Purina) either at the time of sensitization or later when experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was established — melengestrol acetate (MGA®), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA or Provera®), hydrocortisone acetate (HCA), estradiol, estradiol cypionate, ethinyl estradiol, estriol, mestranol, testosterone cypionate and nortestosterone.

In accord with published work (Greiget al., 1970) MGA proved to be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of EAE while HCA was less effective. Of the other steroids ineffective alone, did potentiate the action of HCA in reducing the paralysis. Histologically, the combination of MPA with HCA also was superior to either one alone in one experiment; in a second experiment of longer duration in which a higher dose of HCA was used there was little difference.

None of the compounds or combinations of compounds was as effective as MGA (25 mg/kg/week for 3 weeks) in the treatment of EAE. This compound appears to have unique therapeutic effects, both clinically and histologically.

Key words

Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis Melengestrol Acetate Progestational Effect Glucocerticoid Effect 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1973

Authors and Affiliations

  • G. A. Elliott
    • 1
  • A. J. Gibbons
    • 1
  • M. E. Greig
    • 1
  1. 1.Research Associate Pathology & Toxicology Research UnitThe Upjohn CompanyKalamazooUSA

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