El pez cebra como modelo experimental para el estudio de la esclerosis múltiple

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is characterized by loss of myelin and axons, leading to progressive neurological deterioration. Clinical manifestations in the majority of patients indicate the involvement of the motor and sensory system and the brainstem. The objective of this work was to perform a bibliographic review of the use of zebrafish as an experimental model for multiple sclerosis, making a survey of the main data published in the last five years. The zebrafish model presents advantages such as easy maintenance, low cost, easy reproduction, external fertilization, high-achieving fecundity and transparency of the embryos in the embryonic/larval stages. In addition, its genome has at least 70% homology with that of human beings, as well as the availability of a set of molecular tools, allowing genetic alterations that simulate human diseases. Currently, the zebrafish model is being used to identify the gene expression profiles of oligodendrocytes in different stages of demyelization to identify genetic and molecular targets for the therapeutic development of new pro-myelinating compounds. Thus, this model for the study of multiple sclerosis has advantages over other animal models because it is a good candidate for drug tests.