Sodium channel localization in rat sciatic nerve following lead-induced demyelination

Daily intraperitoneal injections of lead acetate for several weeks were followed by a peripheral neuropathy. The conduction of impulses in the sciatic nerve became slower, but their amplitude, duration and threshold remained normal. Sodium channel labeling with specific monoclonal antibodies revealed staining at demyelinated regions, while normal axons were stained exclusively at nodes of Ranvier. These results support the view that remodelling of sodium channel distribution may contribute to impulse conduction in demyelinated fibers.