A new scoring system in mice is being developed to more accurately assess the
development and severity as well as treatment response of multiple sclerosis. This new
scoring system, called “I AM D EAE” is an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
that is tested on mice as model MS.
In the beginning, scientists first used these EAE mice by testing treatments on
them, then bringing them into clinical trials after measuring their potential. When it
comes to testing the severity of the disease, most researchers use a numeric scale,
basing it on quantifiable symptoms, such as 0 - 5, 5 being death. Although, these tests
were not accurate, leading to imprecise results. Because of this issue, scientists began
looking for more accurate and precise scoring systems which could better assess how the disease affects the mice.
The new scale developed, called I AM D EAE, evaluates multiple symptoms and
how the mice are affected in more detail to result in a numeric score. For example, the
mice’s physical state: if the mice’s tail is droopy, the symptom is given a score of 0.5,
and if the whole tail is affected it’s scored 0.85. So, after scientists observe the mice’s
physical state, they add up their scores based on their symptoms to get a more
accurate result on how badly the disease is affecting them.
Another symptom they assessed for was limb function. If one hind leg was
dragging, it was given a score of 0.5, and if both legs were dragging it was scored 1. If one
leg was paralyzed, it scored 1 point, and if both legs were paralyzed it was scored 1.75. Not
only was physical status brought into observation but so were abnormal behaviors. After
evaluating and observing all these symptoms, there was a total possible score of 5.
To examine the system, scientists used I AM D EAE on several mice and
compared it to the standard 0-5 scale. This concluded with both results of the different
systems giving similar results. Although, the I AM D EAE did give a more in-depth and
detailed final score. In conclusion, I AM D EAE is an accurate system that captures the stages of how the disease affects the body but is still in need of further investigation.
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