Measurement of free radical scavengers in the spinal cord of rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Antioxidants (ascorbic acid, glutathione, cysteine, alpha-tocopherol) and uric acid were measured using two high-pressure liquid chromatographic methods in 3 regions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) of the spinal cord and in blood of Lewis rats during the attack and recovery of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Uric acid, which is thought to be a marker of free radical release, was greatly increased and glutathione correspondingly decreased in lumbar and thoracic regions. Cysteine and ascorbic acid were practically unchanged, whereas alpha-tocopherol was significantly increased during attack and recovery. Results, which could have therapeutic implications, generally support the hypothesis that free radicals are released during EAE.