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Microfasciculation: a morphological pattern in leprosy nerve damage.

Sérgio L G Antunes¹, Mildred F Medeiros, Suzana Corte-Real

¹Leprosy Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. santunes@ioc.fiocruz.br

|February 18, 2011

Summary

Microfasciculation, a perineurial response, is frequently observed in leprosy neuropathy, particularly with active inflammation and nerve damage. This finding aids in understanding leprosy nerve pathology.

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Area of Science:

Neuropathology
Leprosy Research
Nerve Regeneration

Background:

Microfasciculation is a perineurial response observed in various neuropathies.
Its role in leprosy neuropathy requires detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the frequency, morphology, and biological significance of microfasciculation in pure neural leprosy (PNL), post-treatment leprosy neuropathy (PTLN), and non-leprosy neuropathies (NLN).

Main Methods:

Histological staining, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine nerve biopsies.
Detection of microfasciculation in 18 nerve biopsy specimens (12 PNL, 6 PTLN).

Main Results:

Microfasciculation was detected in 10% of leprosy-affected nerves, associated with perineurial damage and inflammation.
Microfascicles contained unmyelinated fibers, denervated Schwann cells, and fibroblast-perineurial cells.
Evidence suggests inflammation-activated pericytes may form fibroblast-perineurial cells.

Conclusions:

Microfasciculation is a significant finding in leprosy neuropathy, linked to active disease and nerve damage.
The study provides insights into the cellular origins and composition of microfascicles.
Further research is needed to fully understand microfascicle formation.