Damage caused in multiple sclerosis could be slowed down by new treatment strategies, a study has found.
Using state-of-the-art imaging technology, a team at The University of Edinburgh examined cells in zebrafish-minnow-sized fish, which had genetic similarities to humans.
The behaviour of cells known as oligodendrocytes was analysed by the scientists.
Oligodendrocytes produce the protective coating that surrounds nerves - the myelin coating.
This coating is attacked by the body's immune system if someone suffers with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Previously, studies have suggested that these cells did have the ability to survive MS attacks and could go on to produce new myelin.
However, it remained unknown whether or not these 'survival cells' compared to new oligodendrocytes produced after old ones were lost.
The results of the study revealed that the surviving oligodendrocytes produce far less myelin than new cells.
Additionally, the data showed that the old cells send myelin to the wrong part of the nerve.
Scientists saw this pattern in both zebrafish and in donated brain tissue from deceased MS patients.
The discovery allows new potential avenues for MS research to be explored in the future.
Morna Simpkins, director of MS Society Scotland, said: “Improving our understanding of what happens after myelin becomes damaged is one of our research priorities, and studies like this take us another step closer to finding treatments for everyone living with MS.” reports The Herald.
Professor David Lyons, Associate director of the MS Society Edinburgh Centre for MS Research, told the Herald : "These new findings exemplify the power and importance of studying both animal models and the disease itself side by side.
"We have much to learn about the biology of oligodendrocytes that survive demyelination, but are confident that increasing our understanding of their contributions to remyelination will refine ongoing development of therapeutic strategies to stop MS."
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