High-dose methylprednisolone suppresses experimental allergic neuritis in the Lewis rat.

High dose methylprednisolone (50 mg kg-1, daily) was administered to Lewis rats with experimental allergic neuritis from onset of the disease. Disease severity was reduced and recovery was significantly more rapid than that in saline-injected controls. Histological examination showed reduction of endoneurial edema, cellular infiltration, and demyelination. The results provide experimental evidence supporting the trial of high dose steroids in human demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.