o 13: ion channels in autoimmune neurodegeneration

multiple sclerosis (ms) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by widespread inflammation, focal demyelination and a variable degree of axonal and neuronal loss. ionic conductances regulate t cell activation as well as neuronal function and thus have been found to play a crucial role in ms pathogenesis. since present therapeutical approaches are only partially effective so far, ion channel modulation as a future strategy was brought into focus. here, we review the status quo concerning recent findings from ion channel research in ms and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.