Fasudil mediates cell therapy of EAE by immunomodulating encephalomyelitic T cells and macrophages.

Although Fasudil has shown therapeutic potential in EAE mice, the mechanism of action are still not fully understood. Here, we examined the immunomodulatory effect of Fasudil on encephalitogenic mononuclear cells (MNCs), and tested the therapeutic potential of Fasudil-treated MNCs in active EAE. Fasudil inhibited expression of CCL20 on T cells and migration of T cells, decreased CD4(+) IFN-γ(+) and CD4(+) IL-17(+) T cells, but increased CD4(+) IL-10(+) and CD4(+) TGF-ß(+) T cells. Fasudil reduced expression of CD16/32 and IL-12, while elevating expression of CD206, CD23, and IL-10. Fasudil also decreased levels of iNOS/NO, enhanced levels of Arg-1, and inhibited the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling and TNF-α, shifting M1 macrophage to M2 phenotype. These modulatory effects of Fasudil on T cells and macrophages were not altered by adding autoantigen MOG35-55 to the culture, i.e., autoantigen-independent. Further, we observed that, in vitro, Fasudil inhibited the capacity of encephalitogenic MNCs to adoptively transfer EAE and reduced TLR-4/p-NF-κB/p65 and inflammatory cytokines in spinal cords. Importantly, Fasudil-treated encephalitogenic MNCs exhibited therapeutic potential when injected into actively induced EAE mice. Together, our results not only provide evidence that Fasudil mediates the polarization of macrophages and the regulation of T cells, but also reveal a novel strategy for cell therapy in MS.

Safflower Yellow regulates microglial polarization and inhibits inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated Bv2 cells.

Activated microglia, especially polarized M1 cells, produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals, thereby contributing directly to neuroinflammation and various brain disorders. Given that excessive or chronic neuroinflammation within the central nervous system (CNS) exacerbates neuronal damage, molecules that modulate neuroinflammation are candidates as neuroprotective agents. In this study, we provide evidence that Safflor yellow (SY), the main active component in the traditional Chinese medicine safflower, modulates inflammatory responses by acting directly on BV2 microglia. LPS stimulated BV2 cells to upregulate expression of TLR4-Myd88 and MAPK-NF-κB signaling pathways and to release IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2. However, SY treatment inhibited expression of TLR4-Myd88 and p-38/p-JNK-NF-κB, downregulated expression of iNOS, CD16/32, and IL-12, and upregulated CD206 and IL-10. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that SY exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on BV2 microglia, possibly through TLR-4/p-38/p-JNK/NF-κB signaling pathways and the conversion of microglia from inflammatory M1 to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.

Lipoic acid protects dopaminergic neurons in LPS-induced Parkinson's disease model.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by a loss of dopaminergic neurons, which is thought to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent findings suggest that neuroinflammation may be a pathogenic factor in the onset and progression of sporadic PD. Here we explore the potential therapeutic effect of lipoic acid (LA) on a lipolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory PD model. Our results for the first time showed that LA administration improved motor dysfunction, protected dopaminergic neurons loss, and decreased α-synuclein accumulation in the substantia nigra (SN) area of brain. Further, LA inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and expression of pro-inflammatory molecules in M1 microglia. Taken together, these results suggest that LA may exert a profound neuroprotective effect and is thus a promising anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-oxidative agent for halting the progression of PD. Interventions aimed at either blocking microglia-derived inflammatory mediators or modulating the polarization of microglia may be potentially useful therapies that are worth further investigation.

Intranasal delivery of FSD-C10, a novel Rho kinase inhibitor, exhibits therapeutic potential in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Viewing multiple sclerosis (MS) as both neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration has major implications for therapy, with neuroprotection and neurorepair needed in addition to controlling neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). While Fasudil, an inhibitor of Rho kinase (ROCK), is known to suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, it relies on multiple, short-term injections, with a narrow safety window. In this study, we explored the therapeutic effect of a novel ROCK inhibitor FSD-C10, a Fasudil derivative, on EAE. An important advantage of this derivative is that it can be used via non-injection routes; intranasal delivery is the preferred route because of its efficient CNS delivery and the much lower dose compared with oral delivery. Our results showed that intranasal delivery of FSD-C10 effectively ameliorated the clinical severity of EAE and CNS inflammatory infiltration and promoted neuroprotection. FSD-C10 effectively induced CNS production of the immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin-10 and boosted expression of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor proteins, while inhibiting activation of p-nuclear factor-κB/p65 on astrocytes and production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, FSD-C10 treatment effectively induced CD4(+) CD25(+) , CD4(+) FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells. Together, our results demonstrate that intranasal delivery of the novel ROCK inhibitor FSD-C10 has therapeutic potential in EAE, through mechanisms that possibly involve both inhibiting CNS inflammation and promoting neuroprotection.

[The extraction technology of epigoitri from isatidis radix by supercritical CO2 fluid].

OBJECTIVE: To study the extraction technology of epigoitri from Isatidis Radix by supercritical CO2 fluid. METHODS: The effects of pressure, temperature, time, concentration and dosage of alcohol were studied by single factor analysis and orthogonal test. RESULTS: The optimized conditions were as follows: The pressure was 20 MPs, the temperature was 50 degrees C, the time was 2 h, concentration of alcohol was 100%, dosage was 80 mL. The content of epigoitri in the extract could reach 38.63% under the above conditions. CONCLUSION: This method is simple, rapid and it is suitable for the extraction of epigoitri from Isatidis Radix.

[Prokaryotic expression of LMoV CP gene and preparation of its antiserum].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare antiserum against the CP of Lilg mottle virus (LMoV). METHODS: Specific primer was designed according to Genbank to amplify CP gene of LMoV of Fritillaria thumbergii and its sequence was analyzed. Then the CP gene was inserted into pSBET and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) plys E strain. The objective protein was purified by 12% SDS-PAGE firstly and subsequently 5% - 20% gradient SDS-PAGE. The antiserum against the CP was raised in mouse and their specificity was determined by Western blot. The ability to combine with nature LMoV particles was confirmed by ELISA analysis. RESULTS: LMoV CP gene shared 95% - 99% nucleotide identities and 98% - 100% amino acid identities with the CP genes reported on Genbank. The antiserum was special to LMoV CP and IgG against LMoV could combine LMoV particles. CONCLUSION: The antiserum prepared in this study is suitable for LMoV detection.

[Impacts of Spartina alterniflora invasion on the benthic food web in the Yellow River Delta during autumn]. / äº’èŠ±ç±³è‰å ¥ä¾µå¯¹é»„æ²³ä¸‰è§’æ´²ç§‹å­£åº•æ –é£Ÿç‰©ç½‘çš„å½±å“.

Spartina alterniflora was introduced into the Yellow River Delta (YRD) in 1990 with the purpose of shore protection and siltation accretion. However, it spread rapidly and became a severe threat to the local coastal wetland ecosystem. To assess the impacts of S. alterniflora invasion on the benthic food web, we sampled the potential food sources of macrobenthos in November 2020, analyzed the trophic level and the benthic food web structure based on stable isotope technique. Results showed that the average δ13C values of macrobenthic food sources followed an order: sediment organic matter (SOM) > S. alterniflora > benthic microalgae > particulate organic matter (POM) > Suaeda salsa. The average δ15N values significantly differed among food sources, ranging from 1.24‰ to 9.03‰. The trophic levels of different macrobenthos ranged from 1.73 to 4.19, of which the bivalve species was the lowest one. S. alterniflora and the decayed debris were the most important food sources for macrobenthos, but without any impact on the trophic level structure of macro-benthos. In conclusion, Spartina alterniflora invasion distinctly changed the composition of food sources of macrobenthos through a "bottom-up" effect, which would probably impact the local food web structure in the YRD wetland.

Nasal delivery of Fasudil-modified immune cells exhibits therapeutic potential in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

AIM: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a relapsing-remitting inflammatory demyelinating disease that requires long-term treatment. Although Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil shows good therapeutic effect in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, certain side effects may limit its clinical use. This study aimed at observing the therapeutic potential of Fasudil-modified encephalitogenic mononuclear cells (MNCs) via nasal delivery in EAE and exploring possible mechanisms of action. METHODS: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55 in C57BL/6 mice, and encephalitogenic MNCs were treated with Fasudil in vitro. Mice received 3 × 106  cells/10 µL per nasal cavity on day 3 and 11 postimmunization, respectively. RESULTS: Fasudil-modified MNCs reduced clinical severity of EAE, improved demyelination, and decreased inflammatory cells in spinal cords. Immunohistochemical results indicated that CD4+ T cells and CD68+ macrophages were barely detected in Fasudil-MNCs group. Fasudil-modified MNCs decreased CD4+ IFN-γ+ and CD4+ IL-17+ T cells, increased CD4+ IL-10+ T cells, restrained M1 markers CD16/32, CCR7, IL-12, CD8a, enhanced M2 markers CD206, CD200, CD14 in spleen. Fasudil-modified MNCs inhibited the activation of inflammatory signaling p-NF-kB/P38, accompanied by the decrease of COX-2 and the increase of Arg-1 in spinal cord, as well as the reduction of IL-17, TNF-α, IL-6 and the elevation of IL-10 in cultured supernatant of splenocytes. Fasudil-modified MNCs enhanced the levels of neurotrophic factors BDNF and NT-3 in spinal cord. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that intranasal delivery of Fasudil-modified MNCs have therapeutic potential in EAE, providing a safe and effective cell therapeutic strategy to MS and/or other related disorders.

Therapeutic effect of Rho kinase inhibitor FSD-C10 in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Fasudil, a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, effectively inhibits disease severity in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, given its significant limitations, including a relatively narrow safety window and poor oral bioavailability, Fasudil is not suitable for long-term use. Thus, screening for ROCK inhibitor(s) that are more efficient, safer, can be used orally and suitable for long-term use in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders is required. The main purpose of the present study is to explore whether FSD-C10, a novel ROCK inhibitor, has therapeutic potential in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1 transgenic (APP/PS1 Tg) mice, and to determine possible mechanisms of its action. The results showed that FSD-C10 effectively improved learning and memory impairment, accompanied by reduced expression of amyloid-ß 1-42 (Aß1-42), Tau protein phosphorylation (P-tau) and ß-site APP-cleaving enzyme in the hippocampus and cortex area of brain. In addition, FSD-C10 administration boosted the expression of synapse-associated proteins, such as postynaptic density protein 95, synaptophsin, α-amino 3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxa-zolep-propionate receptor and neurotrophic factors, e,g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Taken together, our results demonstrate that FSD-C10 has therapeutic potential in the AD mouse model, possibly through inhibiting the formation of Aß1-42 and P-tau, and promoting the generation of synapse-associated proteins and neurotrophic factors.

Multitarget Therapeutic Effect of Fasudil in APP/PS1transgenic Mice.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic strategies targeting Alzheimer's disease-related molecule ß- amyloid (Aß), Tau protein and ß-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE) have been recently explored. However, the treatment effect for single target is not ideal. Based on multiaspect roles of Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil on neuroprotection, neurorepair and immunomodulation, we observed therapeutic potential of Fasudil and explored possible mechanisms in amyloid precursor protein/ presenilin-1 transgenic (APP/PS1 Tg) mice, an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: APP/PS1 Tg mice were treated with Fasudil (25 mg/kg/day) for 2 months by intraperitoneal injection. Mouse behavior tests were recorded every day. The expression of Aß deposition, Tau protein phosphorylation, BACE and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD-95) in hippocampus was assayed. The levels in the brain of Toll-like receptors (TLRs)-nuclear factor kappa B/p65（NF-κB/p65)- myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) inflammatory cytokine axis were measured. RESULTS: Fasudil treatment ameliorated learning and memory deficits, accompanied by reduced Aß deposition, Tau protein phosphorylation, and BACE expression, as well as increased PSD-95 expression in hippocampus. Fasudil intervention also inhibited TLR-2/4, p-NF-κB/p65, MyD88, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α for TLRs-NF-κB-MyD88 inflammatory cytokine axis and the induction of interleukin-10. CONCLUSION: Fasudil exhibited multitarget therapeutic effect in APP/PS1 Tg mice. The study provides preclinical evidence that Fasudil treatment ameliorated memory deficits in APP/PS1 Tg mice, accompanied by the reduction of Aß deposition and Tau protein phosphorylation, the decrease of BACE and the increase of PSD-95, as well as inhibition of TLRs-NF-κB-MyD88 inflammatory cytokine axis. However, these results still need to be repeated and confirmed before clinical application.

Synergistic and Superimposed Effect of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with Fasudil in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the ideal transplanted cells of cellular therapy for promoting neuroprotection and neurorestoration. However, the optimization of transplanted cells and the improvement of microenvironment around implanted cells are still two critical challenges for enhancing therapeutic effect. In the current study, we observed the therapeutic potential of MSCs combined with Fasudil in mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and explored possible mechanisms of action. The results clearly show that combined intervention of MSCs and Fasudil further reduced the severity of EAE compared with MSCs or Fasudil alone, indicating a synergistic and superimposed effect in treating EAE. The addition of Fasudil inhibited MSC-induced inflammatory signaling TLR-4/MyD88 and inflammatory molecule IFN-γ, IL-1ß, and TNF-α but did not convert M1 microglia to M2 phenotype. The delivery of MSCs enhanced the expression of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) compared with that of Fasudil. Importantly, combined intervention of MSCs and Fasudil further increased the expression of BDNF and GDNF compared with the delivery of MSCs alone, indicating that combined intervention of MSCs and Fasudil synergistically contributes to the expression of neurotrophic factors which should be related to the expression of increased galactocerebroside (GalC) compared with mice treated with Fasudil and MSCs alone. However, a lot of investigation is warranted to further elucidate the cross talk of MSCs and Fasudil in the therapeutic potential of EAE/multiple sclerosis.

Role of Rho Kinase and Fasudil on Synaptic Plasticity in Multiple Sclerosis.

In addition to myelin loss and oligodendrocyte injury, axonal damage is a major cause of irreversible neurological disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). A series of studies have demonstrated that Rho kinase (ROCK) is involved in synaptic plasticity of neurons. Here, we found that ROCK activity in MS serum was elevated compared with serum from healthy controls. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), ROCK activity was also increased in serum, spleen, brain and spinal cord. Neuron injury with scratch and TNF-α stimulation induced the up-regulation of ROCK activity. When serum of MS patients was co-cultured with mouse cortical neurons in vitro, MS serum caused neurite shortening and reduction of cell viability, while the addition of Fasudil partially restored synaptic morphology of neurons, revealing that MS sera inhibited neurite outgrowth and synapse formation. The expression of synaptophysin was decreased in MS serum-neurons, and elevated in the presence of Fasudil. In contrast, the expression of phosphorylated collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2) was elevated in MS serum-neurons and decreased in the presence of Fasudil. However, the addition of anti-ROCK I/II mixed antibodies in MS serum partially declined ROCK activity, but did not improve neurite outgrowth of neurons, revealing that Fasudil should prevent synaptic damage possibly through inhibiting intracellular ROCK activation mediated with MS serum. Our results indicate that axonal loss in MS may be related to increased ROCK activity. Fasudil could promote synaptogenesis and thus may contribute to preventing irreversible neurological disability associated with MS.

The therapeutic potential of Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil derivative FaD-1 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Although therapeutic potential of fasudil in EAE is promising, action mechanism and clinical limitations are still not fully understood and resolved. In this study, we observed the therapeutic potential of a novel Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor FaD-1, a fasudil derivative, and explored possible mechanism in MOG35-55-induced EAE. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55) immunization. The pathology of spinal cord was measured by immunohistochemistry and neurological impairment was evaluated using clinical scores. FaD-1, as a novel ROCK inhibitor, inhibited the expression of ROCK II that is mainly expressed in the CNS. We show here that FaD-1 ameliorates the neurological defects and the severity of MOG-induced EAE in mice, accompanied by the protection of demyelination and the inhibition of neuroinflammation in spinal cord of EAE. In addition, FaD-1 dampened TLR2 and TLR4 signaling as well as Th1 (IFN-γ) and Th17 (IL-17) responses in spinal cord of EAE. FaD-1 also prevented the expression of iNOS and production of inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α which are specific markers for M1 inflammatory microglia/macrophages. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of FaD-1 as a ROCK inhibitor for the treatment of human autoimmune diseases with both inflammatory and autoimmune components.

FSD-C10: A more promising novel ROCK inhibitor than Fasudil for treatment of CNS autoimmunity.

Rho-Rho kinase (Rho-ROCK) triggers an intracellular signalling cascade that regulates cell survival, death, adhesion, migration, neurite outgrowth and retraction and influences the generation and development of several neurological disorders. Although Fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, effectively suppressed encephalomyelitis (EAE), certain side effects may limit its clinical use. A novel and efficient ROCK inhibitor, FSD-C10, has been explored. In the present study, we present chemical synthesis and structure of FSD-C10, as well as the relationship between compound concentration and ROCK inhibition. We compared the inhibitory efficiency of ROCKI and ROCK II, the cell cytotoxicity, neurite outgrowth and dendritic formation, neurotrophic factors and vasodilation between Fasudil and FSD-C10. The results demonstrated that FSD-C10, like Fasudil, induced neurite outgrowth of neurons and dendritic formation of BV-2 microglia and enhanced the production of neurotrophic factor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). However, the cell cytotoxicity and vasodilation of FSD-C10 were relatively small compared with Fasudil. Although Fasudil inhibited both ROCK I and ROCK II, FSD-C10 more selectively suppressed ROCK II, but not ROCK I, which may be related to vasodilation insensitivity and animal mortality. Thus, FSD-C10 may be a safer and more promising novel ROCK inhibitor than Fasudil for the treatment of several neurological disorders.

The inhibition of Rho kinase blocks cell migration and accumulation possibly by challenging inflammatory cytokines and chemokines on astrocytes.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), are autoimmune diseases characterized by the immune-mediated demyelination and neurodegeneration of the CNS. Our previous studies showed that Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil can delay onset, and ameliorate severity of EAE, accompanied by the improvement in myelination and the inhibition of inflammatory responses in the CNS. In this study, we found that Fasudil inhibited the migration of T cells indirectly by affecting the production of inflammatory factors and the expression of chemokines in astrocytes functions, indicating that Fasudil treatment reduced inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, reactive oxygen species (NO) and chemokines like MIP-3α (CCL-20), RANTES (CCL5), MIP-1α (CCL-3) and MCP-1 (CCL2) in vitro, and blocked the chemotaxis of reactive mononuclear cells in EAE mice. Further studies found that Fasudil treatment reduced the infiltration and accumulation of pathogenic T cells into the CNS. Astrocytes expressing GFAP and CCL-20 were inhibited in Fasudil-treated EAE compared with control mice. These results demonstrate that Fasudil alleviates the pathogenesis of EAE possibly by blocking astrocyte-derived chemokine-mediated migration of inflammatory macrophages and pathogenic T cells, and might be used to treat MS.

[Effect of Fasudil on the phenotype conversion of LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia].

AIM: To explore the effect of Fasudil on LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia in inflammatory reaction and phenotype conversion. METHODS: The routinely cultured BV-2 microglia in vitro were divided into PBS control group, PBS plus Fasudil treatment group, LPS stimulation group and LPS plus Fasudil group. We determined the production of NO by Griess reaction, the level of TNF-α by ELISA, and analyzed the M1 and M2 phenotypes of microglia by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The treatment of LPS lead to the characteristics of M1 phenotype in BV-2 microglia. Fasudil inhibited the production of NO and the release of TNF-α in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Interestingly, Fasudil transformed inflammatory M1 cells to anti-inflammatory M2 cells. CONCLUSION: Fasudil shows an anti-inflammatory effect, which may be associated with the conversion of inflammatory M1 microglia to anti-inflammatory M2 cells.

[Effect of Fasudil on miroglia and astrocytes in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice].

AIM: To explore the therapeutic effect of Fasudil and its possible mechanisms in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, mainly focusing on the roles of microglia and astrocytes in the treatment. METHODS: Female adult C57BL/6 mice were immunized with MOG35-55 to induce chronic EAE. Fasudil was injected on day 3 p.i. (early Fasudil treatment), or at the onset of EAE (late Fasudil treatment). Normal saline was injected in other mice as EAE controls in a similar manner. Clinical score and body mass were recorded every other day. The expressions of iNOS on microglia and p-NF-κB/p65 on astrocytes were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α in spinal cord homogenate were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Fasudil delayed onset and ameliorated the severity of EAE. Fasudil inhibited the expression of iNOS on microglia and p-NF-κB/p65 on astrocytes in spinal cords, accompanied by the inhibition of inflammatory factors IL-1ß and TNF-α. CONCLUSION: Fasudil exhibits therapeutic effect on EAE, possibly through inhibiting inflammatory molecules on microglia and astrocyte.

Fasudil ameliorates disease progression in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, acting possibly through antiinflammatory effect.

AIM: The purpose of this investigation was to further explore the mechanism(s) underlying the amelioration in EAE caused by Fasudil, particularly focusing on anti-inflammatory effect. METHODS: We induced a chronic-progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in B6 mice immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein(35-55) and performed Fasudil intervention in early and late stages of the disease. RESULTS: The administration of Fasudil (40 mg/kg, i.p) had a therapeutic effect in delaying the onset and ameliorating the severity of EAE, accompanied by the improvement in myelination and the decrease in inflammatory cells in spinal cords. Fasudil inhibited TLR-4, p-NF-kB/p65, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) and enhanced IL-10 production in spinal cords. The ratio of arginase/iNOS was enhanced mainly in the spinal cords of EAE mice treated with Fasudil, reflecting a shift toward the M2 (antiinflammation) macrophage/microglia phenotype. The administration of Fasudil also induced the upregulation of CB2 receptor in spinal cords, but did not significantly trigger CB1 receptor. Levels of neurotrophic factors NGF, BDNF, and GDNF in the CNS were not altered by Fasudil. CONCLUSION: Fasudil ameliorates disease progression in EAE, acting possibly through antiinflammatory pathway.