Mechanism of myelin breakdown in experimental demyelination: a putative role for calpain.

Although calpain has been extensively studied, its physiological function is poorly understood. In contrast, its role in the pathophysiology of various diseases has been implicated, including that of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of the demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS). In EAE, calpain degrades myelin proteins, including myelin basic protein (MBP), suggesting a role for calpain in the breakdown of myelin in this disease. Subsequent studies revealed increased calpain activity and expression in the glial and inflammatory cells concomitant with loss of axon and myelin proteins. This suggested a crucial role for calpain in demyelinating diseases.