<i>Spirulina platensis</i> protects neurons via suppression of glial activation and peripheral sensitization leading to restoration of motor function in collagen-induced arthritic rats

Abstract

<i>Spirulina</i> <i style="">platensis</i> treatment (400 mg kg^-1 for 25 days) effectively suppressed peripheral sensitization via modulation of glial activation and improved motor coordination and restoration of functional motor activity in collagen-induced arthritic rats. <i>Spirulina</i> treatment also resulted in an appreciable reduction of the NF200 accumulation in the spinal cord neurons of arthritic rats. This is indicative of neuroprotective action of <i>S.</i> <i style="">platensis</i> against glutamate excitotoxicity-induced central sensitization produced by the peripheral joint inflammation in the collagen-induced arthritis. The results suggest that effects of <i>S.</i> <i style="">platensis</i> may be due to its counter regulation of spinal glial activation and could be a potential strategy for the treatment of arthritis.