In vivo model for the evaluation of molecules active towards transmissible spongiform encephalopathies

Since copper and zinc binding is probably also involved in PrPres conversion, in this study we have tested the anti-prionic activity of Clioquinol on hamsters experimentally infected with scrapie. The slight delay in memory and motor activity detriment and the improvement of motor activity observed for i.p.-scrapie infected hamsters chronically treated with Clioquinol, as well the significant elongation of the survival curve, suggests a possible therapeutic effect of the drug. The i.p. route of scrapie infection is closer to the natural infection, which is assumed to happen through the intake of infected food. These results suggest that Clioquinol can interfere with the development of the disease, as the GBO indicate. Therefore, this antibiotic possesses some of the ideal properties for a candidate agent against TSE.