woo, I think this might be a important discovery

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http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/decrease-brain-neurotransmitter-linked-multiple-s\

clerosis

Decrease in Brain Neurotransmitter Linked to Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that is caused by damage to the

protective covering that surrounds nerve cells, called myelin. Researchers are

not sure what triggers the inflammation that causes the nerve damage, but

scientists from the University of Illinois at Chicago have discovered that a

decrease in a particular neurotransmitter, called noradrenaline, may be related

to increased stress on the neurons.

Damage to Locus Coeruleus May Lead to Decreased Noradrenaline

Noradrenaline, also called norepinephrine, is released naturally by the nerve

cells. It is often referred to as the " fight or flight " chemical, as it is

responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations.

The UIC researchers focused their attention in an area of the brain called the

locus coeruleus, located in the brain stem. This region is responsible for

mediating many of the sympathetic effects during stress, including the release

of noradrenaline. The area has also been studied for its potential role in

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as noradrenaline can act on certain brain

receptors to increase working memory.

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Feinstein, a research professor in anesthesiology at the UIC College of

Medicine, and colleagues suspect that damage to the locus coeruleus causes a

decreased in the production of noradrenaline. Because the neurotransmitter plays

an important role as a immunosuppressant in the brain, lack of noradrenaline

could lead to inflammation and stress on the neurons.

Noradrenaline is also known to help preserve the integrity of the blood-brain

barrier. MS progression may involve the infiltration of white blood cells

through this barrier.

" This is the first time that it has been demonstrated that there is stress

involved to the neurons in the LC of MS patients, and that there is a reduction

in brain noradrenaline levels, " said Polak, research specialist in the

health sciences in anesthesiology and first author on the paper, published

online in the journal Brain.

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" There are a number of FDA-approved drugs that have been shown to raise levels

of noradrenaline in the brain, and we believe that this type of therapeutic

intervention could benefit patients with MS and other neurodegenerative

diseases, and should be investigated, " he added.

Brand names of norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which block the action of the

norepinephrine transporter and leads to increased extracellular concentrations

of noradrenaline, include Strattera, Vestra, and Vivalan.