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Morphometric analysis of axons in the minute multiple sclerosis lesions and shadow plaques in patients with multiple
P Nowacki1, A Potemkowski, T Korwin-Piotrowska
1Department of Neurology, Pomeranian Medical Academy, Szczecin, Poland.
Abstract:
The objective of the present study was to quantitatively detect axons in the minute multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and in shadow plaques, taking into consideration the relapsing-remitting(R-R) and secondary progressive(SP) stages of MS. The brain tissue of 12 patients deceased due to MS was investigated. An image-computerized analysis was made for measurements of axons. Based on the findings we concluded that damage to axons appears in both the minute MS lesions and in shadow plaques. Demyelination and ineffective (too late or too slow) remyelination seemed to be very important factors in axonal damage. Irreversible damage to axons may appear in both the secondary progressive and relapsing-remitting stages of MS, causing permanent neurological deficits, irrespective of the duration of the disease.
Insights
Axon damage occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and shadow plaques in both relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive stages. Ineffective remyelination contributes to irreversible axonal damage and permanent neurological deficits in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- Axonal damage is a key substrate of irreversible disability in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively detect and analyze axonal loss in minute MS lesions and shadow plaques.
- To investigate axonal damage across different stages of MS, including relapsing-remitting (R-R) and secondary progressive (SP).
Main Methods:
- Post-mortem brain tissue from 12 MS patients was analyzed.
- Computerized image analysis was employed for quantitative measurement of axons.
Main Results:
- Axonal damage was identified in both minute MS lesions and shadow plaques.
- Demyelination and inefficient remyelination were strongly associated with axonal damage.
Conclusions:
- Irreversible axonal damage can occur in both R-R and SP stages of MS.
- Axonal damage contributes to permanent neurological deficits, regardless of disease duration.