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Measuring Progressive Neurological Disability in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis
08:11

Measuring Progressive Neurological Disability in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Published on: November 14, 2016

Progressive multiple sclerosis

Monika Bradl1, Hans Lassmann

  • 1Department of Neuroimmunology, Medical University Vienna, Center for Brain Research, Vienna, Austria. monika.bradl@meduniwien.ac.at

Seminars in Immunopathology
|September 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Inflammation drives brain injury in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), similar to the relapsing-remitting form. Different underlying mechanisms explain why therapies effective in early MS do not work in later stages.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Neurology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination.
  • It typically begins with a relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) course, later progressing to a more severe, irreversible stage.
  • Current therapies are effective in RRMS but not in progressive MS, raising questions about inflammation's role in later stages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether inflammation drives tissue damage in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • To explore the reasons behind the differential response to immunomodulatory therapies between RRMS and progressive MS.

Main Methods:

  • The study analyzed pathomechanisms of inflammation-driven tissue injury in both relapsing-remitting MS and progressive MS.
  • Comparative analysis of inflammatory processes and their impact on brain tissue was performed.

Main Results:

  • Inflammation was confirmed as the primary driver of brain injury in progressive MS.
  • Distinct pathomechanisms were identified in RRMS and progressive MS, explaining the varying responses to immunomodulatory treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Inflammation is a key factor in tissue damage throughout all stages of multiple sclerosis.
  • Understanding the different pathomechanisms in RRMS and progressive MS is crucial for developing effective treatments for all disease courses.

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