Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease which affects the central nervous system. It is characterised by loss of the myelin sheath which surrounds the axons of neuronal cells in the brain and spinal cord and is essential for the rapid transmission of nerve impulses. There are several animal models that are used in MS research. EAE is a autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that is characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration. EAE serves as a useful animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS), since many of the pathologies observed in the CNS of mice with EAE have a strong similarity to those found in the CNS of MS patients. These animal models usually use small rodents such as mice and rats. According to the Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR), 5 percent of all lab animals are mice and rats. There are many reasons why scientists and researchers rely on mice and rats. First off, rats are small, easy to be maintained, and they can adapt very well to a new surrounding. Secondly, mice and rats can reproduce quickly and they only live for about two to three years. Many generations of mice can be observed in a short period of time.
Remy Melina. (November 16, 2010). Why do Medical Researchers use Mice? Retreived from. http://www.livescience.com/32860-why-do-medical-researchers-use-mice.html