Thyroid hormones and CNS demyelination

The number of demyelinating diseases of central nervous system are prone to grow nowadays. The most socially significant and well studied one is multiple sclerosis. 

The search of susbstances that would stop demyelinisation or reinforce the process of remyelination is in great request. 

Thyreoid gland hormones play a sufficient role in nervous system functioning and developing. Some studies show, that triiodothyronine regulates myelin synthesis through thyroid-sensitive nuclear receptors. In a new study process of demyelination were modelled via сuprizone model, which appears to be an optimal method, since it allows to witness the process of demyelination without an autoimmune component. 

Results of the study show effectiveness of thyroid hormones for myelin and axon protection. In rats, under the influence of cuprizone, behavioral reactions are inhibited and changes in the structures of neurons in the cerebral cortex and lumbar spinal cord are noted. 

The severity of these disorders also depends on the thyroid status of the rat organism. In the normal hormonal balance, less significant changes are noted, when in a state of hypofunction these disorders are more pronounced. 

The cuprizone model of demyelination is an adequate experimental model of neurodegeneration and behavior disorders, and thyroid hormones can be considered as one of the components of new drugs aimed at treating multiple sclerosis.