title: Multiple sclerosis--is research on the wrong track?
abstract: The search for a MS virus, specific or otherwise, seems to be futile and I therefore contend that the activation mechanism of MS deserves much more attention than it has received. Could it be located in the pineal that transmits information by altering the secretion rate of melatonin, a hormone with noradrenaline or serotonin as precursor? The human pineal--and its major hormone, melatonin--is very likely to prove that it has a number of physiological roles involving the brain and perhaps other organs. There is also the possibility that a mycotoxin, ergotamine or a related alkaloid e.g. could be the triggering factor for the manifestation of MS. It is noteworthy that the geographical distribution of ergot corresponds to such an extent with the geographical distribution of MS as is shown in the present paper.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lindstedt
mesh_terms: D004878:Ergotamine / Q000506:poisoning; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008550:Melatonin / Q000502:physiology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin; D004878:Ergotamine