Animal Models in Neurology: Prospects and Limitations

Animal models play an important role for exploration of the aetiology, pathogenesis and therapy of various neurological diseases. Their benefit and limitations are being discussed mainly focussed at experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). To answer specific questions concerning the genetics, pathogenesis, diagnostics and treatment of inflammatory, degenerative, ischemic, traumatic und neoplastic diseases of the nervous system different animal models are needed. So far, these are only partially available. Rarely there are alternative methods such as cell, tissue and organ cultures and computer simulations. New phase-specific biomarkers are needed in order to improve the potency of experimental results to be translated into clinical practice.