Research

The UIC MS Tissue Repository was established with a grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in 2008 in order to further MS research through increasing accessibility of MS brain tissue. One of our principle objectives at UIC is to develop methods of outreach to neurologists and patients in order to obtain rare MS cases dying relatively early in the course of the disease. These types of cases are especially valuable because at this stage there are still acute inflammatory demyelinating lesions present. As MS progresses acute inflammatory lesions become sclerotic or scarred, reflecting secondary degenerative processes that take over in MS. Therefore, the more chronic cases of MS have extensive scarring that replace the initial lesion(s). Most researchers believe that study of the initial, acute lesions are more likely to provide the answer to the initiating event(s) and cause of MS. We therefore urge you to actively participate in the quest for an MS cure through increasing awareness of MS donation options to potential donors and registering yourself if applicable.

The UIC MS Tissue Repository follows the same protocols as UCLA's Human Brain and Spinal Fluid Resource Center and The Rocky Mountain MS Center. Please refer to UCLA's research site for additional information regarding our protocols and procedures.

Click here to view UCLA's research site