"Haemoglobin is usually contained within the red blood cells. However, previous research suggests red blood cells in MS patients are, for unknown reasons, more fragile than normal and break apart easily.

When red blood cells break down they release haemoglobin into the blood stream. Normally, the protein would then be prevented from entering the brain by a ‘checkpoint’ between the bloodstream and the brain. However, in MS patients this checkpoint – called the blood-brain barrier – is weakened, allowing haemoglobin to sail through."

http://neurosciencenews.com/ms-protein-brain-shrinkage-5742/

Findings could provide a new avenue for treating multiple sclerosis, researcher report.