30 years ago, only aspirin and exercise were available to combat the pain and lack of
movement caused by these diseases. The development of effective anti-inflammatory drugs,
better pain killers and the introduction of hip and knee joint replacement have allowed
sufferers to lead a much more fulfilling life.
We still have no cure for rheumatic diseases but animal studies using rats, rabbits
and guinea pigs are helping us to both increases our understanding of the causes of
rheumatic diseases and to develop new treatments.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is a disease of the central nervous system that strips the protective myelin
insulation from the nerves. This leads to a deterioration of muscle movement, balance,
strength, speech and vision. About 80,000 people suffer from MS in the UK.
A disease very similar to MS has been induced in rats and guinea pigs and has allowed
researchers to investigate the causes and look for and test possible treatments for MS.
These animal studies have shown that it may be possible to switch off the disease by
using antibodies, and to transplant myelin making cells which can replace damaged nerves.
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