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Multiple sclerosis has been viewed as a disease where the immune system attacks myelin,
the "insulation" around nerve cell fibers that allows them to conduct signals, but doesn't
destroy the nerves. But Dr. Bruce Trapp, chairman of Neurosciences at the Cleveland Clinic,
says it's now clear the nerve fibers, or axons, are also being CUT.

(TRAPP :30)

"And this makes a big difference. Myelin can repair itself, it doesn't always do it but it has the
ability. Some of the wires can signal, although that would be a little bit slower than without the
insulation. When you cut an axon, that axon and the function of that nerve body is lost
forever. And so this we believe is, at least in part, if not providing the majority of the
neurological deficits that MS patients often reach."

(TRACK :10)

Dr. Trapp's research team examined brain tissue from people who died of MS and found
large numbers of severed nerves within de-myelinated areas.. and it appeared the nerves
were cut EARLY on in the course of MS.

(TRAPP :17)

"These inflammatory attacks on the myelin, give us a sign post of who has the disease. It's
possible that we could get to patients very early in the disease process before a lot of cells
are destroyed, using neuroprotective therapies, in addition to current anti-inflammatory
therapies."

(TRACK :12)

This approach is one of several being investigated to help the 350-thousand Americans who
have multiple sclerosis.

Note: The Cleveland Clinic study was published in the January 29, 1998 New England Journal
of Medicine. For information on MS, contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at
1-800-FIGHT-MS.

"Report on Medicine" is produced by Rita Baron-Faust, in cooperation with New York
University School of Medicine. Queries about "Report on Medicine" can be e-mailed directly
to NYU Medical Center at: nyumc.press@mcdev.med.nyu.edu