Low dose naltrexone therapy in multiple sclerosis.
The use of low doses of naltrexone for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) enjoys a worldwide following amongst MS patients. There is overwhelming anecdotal evidence, that in low doses naltrexone not only prevents relapses in MS but also reduces the progression of the disease. It is proposed that naltrexone acts by reducing apoptosis of oligodendrocytes. It does this by reducing inducible nitric oxide synthase activity. This results in a decrease in the formation of peroxynitrites, which in turn prevent the inhibition of the glutamate transporters. Thus, the excitatory neurotoxicity of glutamate on neuronal cells and oligodendrocytes via activation of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid class of glutamate receptor is prevented. It is crucial that the medical community respond to patient needs and investigate this drug in a clinical trial.
Agrawal
Y P
YP
Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Room 153 B MRC, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-1182, USA. yashpal-agrawal@uiowa.edu
D017209:Apoptosis; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018384:Oxidative Stress
D009271:Naltrexone