The autopsy material represents a valuable resource for the investigators to study multiple sclerosis. Human tissue has become scarcer to obtain in a high quality, well-organized manner for scientific study. The RMMSC Tissue Bank addresses this need by providing research laboratories with rapidly acquired, properly handled, well preserved autopsy tissue from patients with well-defined clinical and pathological data.

The cooperation of the patients and their families is inestimable: currently over 600 potential donors are enrolled in our donor program. The need for early acquisition and proper handling of MS tissue is extremely important for scientists investigating the pathogenesis of the disease. The Tissue Bank collaborates with scientists from prestigious medical centers in the United States, Canada and Europe.

To improve the quality of the donated tissue, preserving the cellular and subcellular components, we routinely make pre-arrangements with potential tissue donors, their families, and local pathologists. These types of arrangements, communicated through telephone conversations, internet correspondence, and personalized letters, emphasize the importance of the four hour time frame necessary for acquiring and preserving the donated tissue. Donated tissues typically include the brain, CSF, serum, and occasionally, spinal cord. Samples are available snap frozen in liquid nitrogen, frozen at –70oC, in formalin, or paraffin embedded.

To see a listing of available tissue click here(MS Excel Spreadsheet).

Information about acquiring tissue samples for research can be obtained by contacting Ken Dole or Matthew Corti:

Ken Dole, Tissue Bank Coordinator
701 E. Hampden Ave., Suite 420
Englewood, CO 80113
303-788-4806 (telephone)
303-788-4064 (fax)
dolek@mscenter.org

Matthew Corti, Tissue Bank Research Associate
701 E. Hampden Ave., Suite 420
Englewood, CO 80113
303-788-4030 ext. 105 (telephone)
303-788-5418 (fax)
mcorti@mscenter.org

This project is funded by the National MS Society.