¹Neurology & GI CEDD, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development Limited, New Frontiers Science Park, Harlow, Essex, UK

Correspondence: Dr EA Irving, Neurology & GI CEDD, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development Limited, New Frontiers Science Park, Harlow, Essex CM19 5AW, UK. E-mail: Elaine_A_Irving@gsk.com

^*These authors contributed equally to this manuscript.

Received 22 January 2004; Revised 17 May 2004; Accepted 3 August 2004.

Abstract

The inhibitory activity of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) on neurons is thought to contribute to the lack of regenerative capacity of the CNS after injury. The interaction of MAG and its neuronal receptors mediates bidirectional signaling between neurons and oligodendrocytes. The novel finding that an anti-MAG monoclonal antibody not only possesses the ability to neutralise the inhibitory effect of MAG on neurons but also directly protects oligodendrocytes from glutamate-mediated oxidative stress-induced cell death is reported here. Furthermore, administration of anti-MAG antibody (centrally and systemically) starting 1 hour after middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat significantly reduced lesion volume at 7 days. This neuroprotection was associated with a robust improvement in motor function compared with animals receiving control IgG1. Together, these data highlight the potential for the use of anti-MAG antibodies as therapeutic agents for the treatment of stroke.