MS 'linked with lack of noradrenalin'

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) could be caused by a lack of neurotransmitter in the brain, new research has shown.

Scientists from the University of Illinois at Chicago have found that injury in a particular region of the brain that reduces levels of brain chemical noradrenalin is linked with MS.

Due to the fact the major source of noradrenalin is in the area of the brain known as the locus coeruleus (LC), researchers predicted that damage to the LC that is responsible for the lack of noradrenalin in the brain.

Paul Polak, lead author of the study, said: "There's a lot of evidence of damage to the LC in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, but this is the first time that it has been demonstrated that there is stress involved to the neurons in the LC of MS patients, and that there is a reduction in brain noradrenalin levels."

Meanwhile, research published in journal Neurology, has found that those who have sun damaged skin are less likely to develop MS.

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