[A method of detecting demyelinated nerve tissue in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis]

A method of rapid pathomorphological diagnosis of demyelinization with a simultaneous detection of cell elements in the nervous tissue has been described. The method tested on the model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a modified method of Marchi with subsequent staining of histological sections with toluidine blue. Due to a shorter period of nervous tissue exposure to potassium bichromate and osmium acid solutions (from 6-8 weeks to 5 days) the cells preserve their ability to uptake the dye and the endurance of histological sections increases. Their thickness (2-3 microns) makes it possible to examine them in immersion magnification of the light microscope. Using the above method, we succeeded in revealing hematogenic and glial elements in demyelinating foci in the central nervous system of animals with EAE. The method described can be used for studying pathomorphology of multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases in humans and their experimental models, as well as for the express diagnosis of demyelinization in pathoanatomical practice.