New MS research shows remarkable findings

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http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-02/mu-nmr020404.php

Public release date: 5-Feb-2004

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Contact: Zeindler

christine.zeindler@...

514-934-1934

McGill

University

New MS research shows remarkable findings

Montreal, February 5, 2004 - New research

findings from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center

(MUHC) provide hope for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), one of the most

common and devastating diseases of the nervous system. These findings,

published in today in Neuron, characterize an enzyme that plays a central role

in the onset and progress of MS.

" We have identified a key enzyme that triggers MS-like

disease in an animal model, " says MUHC neuroscientist and Professor of

Medicine at McGill

University, Dr. Sam

. " We also show that blocking this enzyme has a remarkable effect in

preventing disease and relapses. "

MS, an autoimmune disease of the nervous system, affects

approximately 35,000 young adults in Canada. It is twice as prevalent in

females. MS is an inflammatory disease in which the body's own immune system

attacks the insulating membranes surrounding nerve fibers. This damage results

in loss of sensations and paralysis. Although genetic, infectious or

environmental factors are thought to induce MS, the exact cause of the disease

is still not known.

Dr. with his Ph.D. student Athena Kalyvas showed in a mouse

model of MS that the amount of the enzyme, phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), is

increased in spinal cord lesions. They further demonstrated that treatment with

a chemical inhibitor of this enzyme results in a marked reduction in the onset

and severity of the disease.

" This discovery suggests that the cPLA2 enzyme may be an

excellent target for the development of drugs to treat MS, " concluded Dr.

.

###

This work was supported by funds from the Multiple Sclerosis

Society of Canada.

For Information contact:

MUHC Public Relations and Communications:

Zeindler

Communications Coordinator (Research)

(514) 934-1934 ext. 36419

pager: (514) 406-1577