Sharon M. (from Arizona)
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NERVE SHEATH STUDY HOPEFUL
Associated Press
DETROIT - In a development that could help lead to a treatment for multiple
sclerosis and similar diseases, laboratory experiments have found that a
certain hormone stimulates the growth of the protective sheath around nerves.
In degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease, damage around the sheath stops signals from
being transmitted between the brain and nerves.
An insulin-like growth hormone called IGF-I has been found to regrow the
sheaths, University of Michigan scientists reported Monday.
Though several growth factors are being studied, IGF-I appears to be most
effective at inducing the growth of the sheath and preventing neural cell
death, said researcher Hsin-Lin Cheng.
The scientists presented the first results from their experiments with IGF-I
at a conference Monday in New Orleans.
Tests with the hormone are under way on about 40 people with neuropathy at
the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn,