Animal Research: MRI contrast medium
In previous animal model, researchers have found a new and more efficient MRI contrast medium using mice. Various scientist from Heidelburg and Wurzburg have experimented and examined the animal's brain and spinal cords at different stages of the disease. With the newly made MRI, they noticed more inflammatory lesions. Inflammatory lesions is when nerve cells lose their myelin or protective sheet in which causes disruption in transferring signals. This is caused by any disruption of the brain cells or tissue. Compared to the original conventional MRI, the new contract medium enables doctors to see five to ten times more inflammatory visuals. MRI's are essential in early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease; especially when new drugs and therapies can help cure patients with multiple sclerosis at an early stage. As of now, the new contrast MRI has not been approved in clinical practice, and more practices and test must be conducted before then.
University Hospital Heidelberg. (August 4, 2008). Multiple Sclerosis: New MRI Contrast Medium Enables Early Diagnosis In Animal Model. Retrieved from. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080801152139.htm