Effects of high salt diet on spontaneous autoimmune polyneuropathy in mice

Excel file contains all obtained behavioural, electrophysiological and histological data from a study assessing the influence of a high salt diet on the occurrence of spontaneous autoimmune polyneuropathy in mice. Unsymptomatic female CD86-/- NOD mice were used and randomly assigned to a normal diet or high salt diet containing 4% NaCl in food and 1% in water. Mice were observed for their general wellbeing (weight) and development of a CIDP-like autoimmune polyneuropathy was documented by clinical score. The occurrence of paresis and loss of locomotor function was measured with RotaRod test. The sciatic nerves were analyzed with standard neurography measurements at the beginning and end of the dietary phase regarding demyelination and axonal loss. Data shows a prolonged onset of neuropathy with an attenuated loss of locomotor function due to a reduced demyelination. Electrophysiological data was confirmed with histological analysis showing reduced demyelination and neuroinflammation of peripheral nerves.