Cytokine test for MS?

  : : : : I just read about Dr. Cedric Raine's photos of myelin fibers being affected by macrophages and their release of the chemical cytokine.  Is this chemical a natural occurring substance in the body?  If not, can they not just find a test for this chemical for MS and eliminate all the others?  Seems like it would save a lot of time!
  : : : Dear Li:
  : : : Thanks for your questions.  Yes, what is thought about the inflammatory process occuring in MS, is that it is a normal process but it is occuring in an abnormal site.  The question that remains to be answered is what is the trigger that stimulates the immune system to attack myelin and axonal processes.  In that the immune process produces cytokines to elaborate the immunological process.  We have looked for elevations of specific cytokines in the CSF and as of yet there hasn't been any specific elevations of any of them.  The problem may be that the increase in cytokines is very local and isn't well represented in the CSF.  Also, many studies have shown that there are cytokine receptors on glia cells and this may also affect cytokine CSF levels.  Currently, there is not one test that is pathognomic for MS.  It is still a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms.  
  : : : Sincerely,
  : : :
  : : : CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS
  : : Thank you.  As usual, you guys are great!  I am learning so much!
  : Dear LI:
  : Anytime, I am glad I could help.  Still the only verified treatments are the beta interferons, steroids and capaxone.
  : Sincerely,
  : CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS
  
  Can you give us more information about the urine test they are working on?  I forget the name (one of my little symptoms), but it was glial somthing (?)
  How close are they to testing/implementing such a test?
Dear Li:
I am not sure which urine test you are thinking about.  A long time ago I think some researchers were working on a urine test to detect MBP, but that has since gone by the wayside.  Try and think of what urine test, and which compound they are trying to measure.  Let me know and I will get back to you.
Currently, no one as far as I know is using a urine test clinically for patient work-ups and diagnosis.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P], MD, RPS