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Tissue Donors

From The MS Information Sourcebook, produced by the National MS Society.

Tissue donor programs that provide brain tissue for researchers studying the pathology of multiple sclerosis-its nature, cause, and effects on the brain-are extremely important. The National MS Society supports two MS tissue banks, facilities that provide resources for researchers studying multiple sclerosis. A tissue bank is very close to what it sounds like: an area in a laboratory or medical center where tissue specimens are "deposited" and stored for later "withdrawal" and use. The MS tissue banks store brain and spinal cord tissues, spinal fluid, and other specimens from persons who had MS during their lifetimes. These samples are frozen or otherwise preserved very soon after the death of the donor. The banked tissues are carefully catalogued with information about the each donor's medical history.

For those considering donating tissue, planning ahead is essential. Brain tissue must be prepared within hours after death, to be of use in research. Individuals interested in the possibility of tissue donation can contact these banks as follows:

Rocky Mountain MS Center at Anschutz Medical Campus
University of Colorado Denver, Department of Neurology
12631 E 17th Ave, Rm 5506
Aurora, CO 80045
Phone: 303-788-4030 ext. 120.
Email: info@mscenter.org
Web site: mscenter.org/research/tissue-bank

MS Human Neurospecimen Bank
Veteran Administration Medical Center
11301 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90073
Phone: (310) 268-3536
Phone: (310) 478-3711 after hours and weekends (Please ask for the Brain Bank)
Web site: www.loni.ucla.edu/uclabrainbank/

The decision to contribute to this special type of research is most thoughtful, and is truly appreciated by all who are involved in the effort to develop methods to treat and to prevent MS.

See also...

Sourcebook

 

Society Web Resources

 

 

   
 

Last updated August 2007