Center for Multiple Sclerosis and CNS Demyelinating Diseases

Research Contributions

The following research contributions have advanced and improved the treatment of MS patients:

Plasma exchange for the treatment of acute devastating attacks of MS
Oligodendrocyte as the initial site of injury
Four distinct pathologic patterns that respond differently to treatment
Pattern II lesions have immunoglobulin and complement deposition; these patients respond uniquely to plasma exchange
Antibody to aquaporin 4 that distinguishes neuromyelitis optica from MS from MS
FDA approval of interferon beta to reduce exacerbations based, in part, on viral models of MS established at Mayo
Disability, impairment, handicap and genetic studies in the prevalence and incidence cohorts of MS in Olmsted County (1905-2008)
Human monoclonal antibody to repair the CNS will soon enter Phase I clinical trials at Mayo
Clinical trials showing that aspirin reduces fatigue, the most common disabling feature of MS
CD8+ T cells and perforin as primary mediators of injury