The Cuprizone Model: Dos and Do Nots

Cells. 2020 Mar 31;9(4):843. doi: 10.3390/cells9040843.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Various pre-clinical models with different specific features of the disease are available to study MS pathogenesis and to develop new therapeutic options. During the last decade, the model of toxic demyelination induced by cuprizone has become more and more popular, and it has contributed substantially to our understanding of distinct yet important aspects of the MS pathology. Here, we aim to provide a practical guide on how to use the cuprizone model and which pitfalls should be avoided.

Keywords: cuprizone model; histological analyses; multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Cuprizone / toxicity*
  • Demyelinating Diseases / genetics
  • Demyelinating Diseases / pathology
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Multiple Sclerosis / chemically induced*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology*

Substances

  • Cuprizone