The contribution of demyelination to axonal loss in multiple sclerosis

DeLuca GC. Brain 2006; 129: 1507-1516. An autopsy study of 55 patients with MS prior to death age range 25-83 noted no or a weak correlation between MS plaque load and axonal loss. Both were studied and evaluated microscopically. Spinal cord plaque load was also not closely related. The study indicates the need to reconsider the inflammatory hypothesis as the sole basis with which to assess the efficacy of MS treatments, particularly in certain patients.