MALDI/Mass Spectrometry of "Normal Appearing" and Dystrophic Axons in Spinal Cord of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is often considered to be disease affecting the insulating material around the nerves, also referred to as myelin, which is caused by an abnormal immune response to proteins in the insulating sheath surrounding nerves. More recent studies have suggested that in addition to myelin the nerve fibers are also destroyed in MS. In fact the major cause of disability in MS is most likely due to damage to the nerves. The abnormalities in the nerves are most prominent in the spinal cord. At present there is little or no information on the causes for the destruction of the nerves in the spinal cord. Using state of the art techniques our study will examine the changes in the nerves in spinal cord of patients who have died from progressive MS. We will dissect out the abnormal regions of the spinal cord subject and determine the changes in the nerves in MS patients compared with patients who have died from other causes. We predict that we will be able to show the nature of the abnormality in the nerves of MS patients. These studies are likely to point to novel mechanism that can protect the nerves and restore neurological function.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA592436
Entities
People
- Subramaniam Sriram
Organizations
- Vanderbilt University