Comparison between vaccination with the Nogo-derived peptide p472 and
the MBP-derived altered peptide Ala-91 in male SPD rats.
(A) Male SPD rats were subjected to spinal contusion as
described for Fig. 1. Immediately after the contusion, the animals were
randomly divided into two groups (n = 6 in each
group). Rats in the first group were immunized with p472 in CFA, and
rats in the second group were injected with PBS in CFA. Motor behavior
was assessed as described for Fig. 1. Results are mean values of the
motor score ± SEM. (B) Male SPD rats were injured
and grouped as in A and were immunized with Ala-91 in
CFA or injected with PBS in CFA. Motor recovery in the Ala-91-treated
group, assessed as in A, was at least as good as with
p472 treatment. Results are mean values of the motor score ± SEM.
(C) Assessment of recovery from a milder spinal
contusion inflicted by dropping the 10-g weight from a height of 25 mm
(*, P < 0.05; **,
P < 0.01).