LSAT 111 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q22

LR Question 22 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease: white…

QUESTION TYPE: Must be False

FACTS:

1. Gamma interferon (one of the body’s defenses against viruses) made multiple sclerosis patients much worse. 
2. Multiple sclerosis acts by having white blood cells attack the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers. 
3. The unsuccessful gamma interferon tests led to a drug that can treat multiple sclerosis.

ANALYSIS: From the sounds of things, the researchers made a drug that lowers levels of gamma interferon.

They realized that gamma interferon made the patients’ MS much worse. So why not invent a drug to reduce gamma interferon?

___________

1. CORRECT. This is highly unlikely. Gamma interferon made the multiple sclerosis much worse. And MS acts by using myelin-destroying compounds from the white blood cells. 
2. This is possible. It seems likely that gamma interferon produced more white blood cells in the MS patients.
3. This is quite consistent with the stimulus. It could be gamma interferon that causes the symptoms.
4. This would explain why the anti-viral treatment did not work.
5. This would explain why the experiments led researchers to a successful drug. They realized that gamma interferon was hurting MS patients.