From Our 2009 Archives Blood Pressure Drug May Help Treat MS
Study Shows Lisinopril Blocks Multiple Sclerosis in Lab Mice
Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD A new study shows the inexpensive
blood pressure drug lisinopril blocked development of multiple
sclerosis in laboratory mice bred to develop the disease. And
when the drug was given to mice with full-blown symptoms of
multiple sclerosis, it reversed their paralysis without
affecting their overall immunity. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a
progressive disease in which the body's immune system
malfunctions and can eventually lead to paralysis or even death.
The disease is difficult to treat without compromising normal
immune function and protection. But researcher Lawrence
Steinman, MD, of Stanford University says multiple sclerosis and
high blood pressure both involve inflammatory processes that may
benefit from treatment with lisinopril. If future studies
confirm these results, lisinopril may provide a less expensive
treatment alternative for multiple sclerosis. T