Strain-related effects of fenbendazole treatment on murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Abstract

Parasitic infections are a concern in animal facilities, in view of their influence on physiological processes and the immune status of animals. Pinworms are effectively controlled with the anthelminthic fenbendazole (FBZ, [5-(phenylthio)-1H-benzamidazol-2-yl]carbamic acid methyl ester; C(15)H(13)N(3)O(2)S); however, questions remain as to whether prolonged FBZ exposure alters the disease course in specific experimental models, such as those pertaining to the immune system. We report that a three-month regimen of FBZ-medicated feed severely affected the onset and disease severity of murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a disease that mimics multiple sclerosis. Differences were recorded between mouse strains used. Our data suggest that where the use of FBZ is mandatory, its full effect should be verified on the particular EAE variant adopted by the laboratory.

Fenbendazole improves pathological and functional recovery following traumatic spinal cord injury

“…Although safe and well-tolerated at therapeutic doses, fenbendazole treatment may alter results of experimental studies. Effects of fenbendazole on behavioral tests of motor coordination and balance skills (Gadad et al, 2010) and the immune system and immune response to allergens have been reported in mice (Cray et al, 2008, Cai et al, 2009, Ramp et al, 2010). …”

“…Although earlier studies indicated that fenbendazole had minimal effects on the murine immune response (Reiss et al, 1987, Cray et al, 2008), more recent findings demonstrate that fenbendazole suppresses B cell activation (Landin et al, 2009) and alters the onset and disease severity of murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (Ramp et al, 2010). Autoantibodies produced following CNS injury contribute to axonal degeneration and neurological dysfunction, such as locomotor disability (Ankeny et al, 2009, Ankeny and Popovich, 2010, Lucin et al, 2007, Lucin et al, 2009, Zhang and Popovich, 2011, Zhang et al, 2013).…”

Exacerbation of Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity by the Anthelmentic Drug Fenbendazole

“…Fenbendazole is a member of the benzimidazole carbamate class of drugs commonly used as anthelmintics (Velík et al, 2004;Villar et al, 2007). Due to strain and species differences in sensitivity, the dose of fenbendazole used therapeutically varies (Hunter et al, 2007;Ramp et al, 2010;Short et al, 1988). In mice, fenbendazole is typically delivered in food at a dose of 8-12 mg/kg for 7 days.…”

Emerging and Evolving Topics in Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis and Treatments

“…Whilst the different MOG peptides have been shown to have variable encephalitogenicity depending on animal species and strain, even in one strain/autoantigen combination, there are many other variables in the sensitization protocol, which include age of disease induction, sex, neuroantigen, type of adjuvant, timing and frequency of dose and active immunization versus adoptive transfer that may affect disease presentation (Table 2). Furthermore, it is also well established that the environment can modulate disease expression due to the influence of pathogens (even at sub-clinical levels) on the immune status of a mouse colony (Ramp et al 2010). These variations in protocols may contribute to the differences in disease profile and severity reported by various laboratories and are discussed below.…”