Objective: To observe the effect of matrine (MAT) on the expression of chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) and its receptor CCR2 mRNA in experimental autoimmune encephalomyetic (EAE) rats in the internationally accepted models of multipe sclerosis (MS)

investigate the possible mechanism of MAT preventive treatment for EAE rats and provide clinical evidence. Method: The 50 Wistar female rats were divided into five groups randomly (n=10 each group):normal group

model group

MAT low-dose group (150 mg · kg-1)

MAT high-dose group (250 mg · kg-1)

and dexamethasone group (1 mg · kg-1). The MAT and dexamethasone were respectively injected intraperitoneally (ip) daily from day 0 post-immunization till to 17. At the same time

The model and normal group received the same amount of normal saline. The clinical symptoms were observed and recorded and the histopathological changes were detected. The expression levels of CCL2

CCR2 mRNA were detected using RT-PCR techniques. Result: Compared with model group

MAT obviously delayed the disease onset and ameliorated clinical symptoms of EAE (P<0.01)

improved inflammatory infiltration (P<0.01) and demyelination (P<0.01) in central nervous system of EAE rats

and reduced the expression levels of CCL2/CCR2 mRNA in spinal cord (P<0.01

P<0.01). Conclusion: Matrine could prevent and treat EAE rats and the mechanism may be associated with reducing the expression of CCL2/CCR2 mRNA in spinal cord of EAE rats.