Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Angiostrongylus cantonensis-induced eosinophilic meningitis or eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. To study the effect of the anti-oxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or MMP inhibitor GM6001 on this disease, we used A. cantonensis to induce eosinophilic meningitis in BALB/c mice and measured its larvicidal effect, counted leukocytes and measured MMP-9 activity in angiostrongyliasis. We found that GM6001 mildly reduced MMP-9 activity and eosinophils, while NAC did not. We also found no significant difference in the in larvicidal effect in mice treated with GM6001 or NAC (P>0.05). These findings suggest the effect of therapy with either NAC or GM6001 alone was not significant. GM6001 may be used with an anthelminthic drug to treat parasitic meningitis. However, when using NAC to treat this disease, one must consider NAC's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and get to the target site.
