Multiple sclerosis--emerging concepts of disease pathogenesis

Multiple sclerosis has been recognized as a clinical pathologic entity for more than a century. The pioneering microscopic anatomic studies of Charcot illustrate the power of careful observations taking maximal advantage of available technology. Using carmine as 'a precious agent' to stain spinal cord hardened with dilute chromic acid, he described the characteristic myelin loss with relative but not absolute axonal preservation. This presentation summarizes how following the principle of careful application of emerging technologies to MS patients and their tissues, as described in this symposium, as the foundation for our continuing advances regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of MS.