An untrastructural analysis of remyelination following segmental demyelination.

Abstract

Electron microscopic observations were made of early remyelination after segmental demyelination in experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) and experimental diphtheritic neuropathy. In EAN 71% of axons which had been demyelinated were invaginated each within a single Schwann cell; remyelination associated with this cellular relationship was in accordance with the spiral myelin concept, 29% of demyelinated axons in EAN were initially enveloped each by several Schwann cell processes and the associated mechanism of remyelination was by “tunication” resulting in a transient irregular distribution of myelin lamellae around the axon circumference. In diphtheritic neuropathy regeneration more closely paralleled development in ontogeny. 88% of demyelinated axons were invaginated each within one Schwann cell, only 12% of axons were each enveloped by more than one Schwann cell process. Early remyelination by tunication was not observed in diphtheritic neuropathy. Additional loosely associated Schwann cell processes lying within the “old” Schwann cell basement membrane occurred frequently in both experimental conditions. Schmidt-Lanterman clefts, “redundant” myelin, and “desmosomes” were observed in the sheaths of incipient remyelination.