The antidepressant venlafaxine ameliorates murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Antidepressants, which are in use for the treatment of major depression, are known to impact on the immune system. Here, we examined the immunomodulatory properties of venlafaxine, a selective serotonin-/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a Th1-mediated central nervous system demyelinating disease model of multiple sclerosis. EAE was induced in SJL mice by adoptive transfer of PLP-specific T-cells. Mice were treated with different doses of venlafaxine before transfer and after onset of disease. Sustained oral treatment with 6mg and 60mg/kg per day signif…