Newsletter # 01

Animal and cellular models

Welcome to our newsletter which presents in vivo and in vitro model of multiple sclerosis. These models can be used for drug screening or for evaluating the mechanism of action of a compound.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which predominantly affects young adults during their most productive years. Viral and autoimmune etiologies are postulated. Genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to MS, but a specific cause for this disease has not been identified. Pathologically, MS is characterized by the presence of areas of demyelination and T-cell predominant perivascular inflammation in the brain white matter. Some axons may be spared from these pathological processes.
Early symptoms may include numbness and/or paresthesia, mono- or paraparesis, double vision, optic neuritis, ataxia, and bladder control problems.
Subsequent symptoms also include more prominent upper motor neuron signs (increased spasticity, increasing para- or quardriparesis). Vertigo, incoordination and other cerebellar problems, depression, emotional lability, abnormalities in gait, dysarthria, fatigue and pain are also commonly seen.
There is no curative treatment available for the MS. However, a number of medications can be used to treat the disease symptomatically (corticosteroids, Interferon-β).
In the future, medications aimed at reducing specific autoimmune responses, and, possibly, medications designed to assist in remyelination will help improve the quality of life of MS patients.