[Chronic inflammatory polyradiculoneuritis and the axonal cytoskeleton: morphometric and immunocytochemical data]

We report morphometric and immunocytochemical data obtained from nervous biopsy in 7 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (CIDP), compared to 5 controls (without neurological involvement). Fiber loss was present in all cases and reached 50 p. 100 or more in 4 cases. The g myelination ratio was elevated in 3 cases only, indicating demyelination. The number of fibers labelled for the L subunit of neurofilaments was normal in cases with moderate fiber loss and dropped down for densities < 3900/mm2 (4 cases). Labelling with anti-GAP43 antibody was considerably increased in 3 cases, but did not correlate with fiber density or disease duration. These data confirm the importance of axonal lesions in CIDP and offer the opportunity to discuss their pathophysiological mechanisms.