Effect of Prolonged Ingestion of γ-Linolenate by MS Patients

Abstract

The absolute electrophoretic mobility of erythrocytes from MS patients is reduced in the presence of 0.08 mg/ml of linoleic or arachidonic acid, whilst that of normal or other neurological disease patients is increased in the presence of these acids. When an MS patient ingests γ-linolenate (in capsule form equivalent to 413.4 mg of γ-linolenic acid and 2.664 g of linoleic acid per day) the reaction of MS erythrocytes begins to change. After 3 or 4 months the reaction becomes normal with arachidonic acid (i.e. mobility is speeded up) and 2 months or so later this occurs also with linoleic acid. Very prolonged administration of γ-linolenate leads to a markedly increased sensitivity to the effect of prostaglandins (PGE₂) on RBC mobility. The observations are interpreted to mean the induction of a biochemical-biophysical change in the membranes, and the significance of this in the aetiology and treatment of multiple sclerosis is discussed.

Multiple Sclerosis

“… 35 - 38 This abnormality was reversed in some cases by supplementation with evening primrose oil (which contains the omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid). 35 , 39 , 40 …”

“…[35][36][37][38] This abnormality was reversed in some cases by supplementation with evening primrose oil (which contains the omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid). 35,39,40 Several clinical trials have examined the effect of linoleic acid supplementation in patients with MS. Linoleic acid was derived from sunflower oil or from unspecified sources and was given in dosages of 11.5 g/ day to 23 g/day for 2.0 to 2.5 years. The control group received olive oil or oleic acid.…”

Tetracycline preparations for children.

“…This is extremely rarely required within two months. 2 The occurrence and timing of recurrence of ulceration in both cases strongly suggests that cimetidine treatment or its withdrawal was implicated.…”