Cuprizone markedly decreases kynurenic acid levels in the rodent brain tissue and plasma

BACKGROUND: The kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP) of the tryptophan (TRP) metabolism seems to play a role in the pathomechanism of multiple sclerosis (MS). Cuprizone (CPZ) treated animals develop both demyelination (DEM) and remyelination (REM) in lack of peripheral immune response, such as the lesion pattern type III and IV in MS, representing primary oligodendrogliopathy. OBJECTIVE: To measure the metabolites of the KP in the CPZ treated animals, including TRP, KYN and kynurenic acid (KYNA). We proposed that KYNA levels might be decreased in the CPZ-induced demyelinating phase of the animal model of MS, which model represents the progressive phase of the disease. METHODS: A total of 64 C57Bl/6J animals were used for the study. Immunohistochemical (IHC) measurements were performed to prove the effect of CPZ, whereas high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the metabolites of the KP (n = 10/4 groups; DEM, CO1, REM, CO2). RESULTS: IHC measurements proved the detrimental effects of CPZ. HPLC measurements demonstrated a decrease of KYNA in the hippocampus (p < 0.05), somatosensory cortex (p < 0.01) and in plasma (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This is the first evidence of marked reduction in KYNA levels in a non-immune mediated model of MS. Our results suggest an involvement of the KP in the pathomechanism of MS, which needs to be further elucidated.