Maligned molecule found to have beneficial anti-inflammatory effect

By Daily Mail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 05:43 EST, 3 August 2012 | UPDATED: 06:11 EST, 3 August 2012

A molecule that causes Alzheimers disease could reverse paralysis caused by multiple sclerosis (MS), a study has found.

The much-maligned molecule, known as A-beta, has until now been known as the chief culprit behind Alzheimers.

But it is also found in multiple-sclerosis lesions, which occur when immune cells invade the brain and spinal cord and attack the insulating coatings of nerve cells.

The nerve signals then get mixed up leading to blindness, loss of muscle control and difficulties with speech, thought and attention.

A woman with multiple sclerosis: The progressive condition attacks the nerve cells and over time can leave sufferers wheel-chair bound

Scientists from Stanford University in the United States wanted to investigate the role the molecule played in MS.

They used a mouse model that mimics several features of the disease - including the autoimmune attack on myelinated sections of the brain. They then injected A-beta into the rodents belly.

Original post:
MS hope: Alzheimer's disease molecule can actually REVERSE multiple sclerosis, say scientists after shock discovery