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

Spirulina platensis 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. Spirulina 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 S. platensis against glutamate excitotoxicity-induced central sensitization produced by the peripheral joint inflammation in the collagen-induced arthritis. The results suggest that effects of S. platensis may be due to its counter regulation of spinal glial activation and could be a potential strategy for the treatment of arthritis.