A drug used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure has been found to reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in mice, according to research carried out by Oxford University.

The discovery that amiloride can reduce the degeneration of nerve tissue in mice suggests it could have a therapeutic potential for people with MS.

But despite the positive findings, the researchers warn that human clinical trials to test the drug's full potential are crucial before it could be used as a treatment.

The research was led by Prof Lars Fugger, of the Medical Research Council Immunology Unit.