The Callicam
Current Common Marmoset Research
Current Research - Page 4
Previous
1
2
3
Page 4
5
6
7
8
9
Next
II. Toxicology Research (cont.)
B) Immunological Research (cont.)
- Multiple Sclerosis research
-
Multiple sclerosis is caused by destruction of nerve coverings and leads to
the disruption of nerve ability to communicate with parts of the body.
-
Multiple sclerosis can lead to a difficulty moving, speaking, and breathing.
-
While models to study multiple sclerosis in the marmoset have been
developed, the mechanisms causing the disease are still unknown.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, multiple sclerosis (MS)
is a disease that affects approximately 200,000 to 350,000 people in the United
States and can result in difficulty moving, speaking, and breathing. MS is an
autoimmune
disease of the central nervous system (CNS = brain and spinal cord). MS
results from the destruction of the covering surrounding the nerves in the brain
and spinal cord. The covering of the nerves is what allows them to rapidly
transmit signals to other body parts and facilitate movement. These damaged
nerve cells form patches throughout the brain and spinal cord and interfere with
the nerve's ability to function quickly. This dramatic slowing down of the nerve
cells causes the observed MS symptoms.
Unfortunately for patients, the cause of the disease is unknown. Researchers,
however, have developed an artificial form of MS in common marmosets called
experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE is produced in marmosets by
actively immunizing monkeys against human brain tissue. The immunized marmosets
display similar signs and symptoms to those seen in human MS, such as difficulty
in moving. In addition,
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which obtains an internal picture of the brain and
other organs, is administered to monitor the effects of EAE on the brain. These
observations are necessary to show that EAE in marmosets is similar to MS in
humans. Since EAE provides researchers with a way to study MS, perhaps a cure
for MS will soon be found.
Further Reading:
Genain, C. P., Hauser, S. L. (1997). Creation of a Model for Multiple
Sclerosis in Callithrix jacchus Marmosets. Journal of Molecular Medicine, 75,
187-197.
't Hart, B. A., Van Meurs, M., Brok, H. P., Massacesi, L., Bauer, J., Boon,
L., Bontrop, R. E., & Laman, J. D. (2000). A New Primate Model forMultiple
Sclerosis in the Common Marmoset. Immunology Today, 21(6), 290-7.
Additional Related Links:
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association.
http://www.aarda.org/index.html
Multiple Sclerosis Society:
http://www.mssociety.org.uk
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
National Multiple Sclerosis Society:
http://www.nmss.org
Previous
1
2
3
Page 4
5
6
7
8
9
Next
Text by Rebecca Dallwig.
