Myelination, axonal loss and Schwann cell characteristics in axonal polyneuropathy compared to controls

Polyneuropathy is a debilitating condition characterized by distal sensory and motor deficits. Schwann cell dysfunction and axonal loss are integral factors in pathophysiology and disease progression of polyneuropathy.

The aim of this study was the assessment of Schwann cell characteristics, nerve fibers and myelination parameters in polyneuropathy patients compared to controls.

Nerve tissue was obtained from polyneuropathy patients (n = 10) undergoing diagnostic sural nerve biopsies. Biopsies of healthy peripheral nerves (n = 5) were harvested during elective sural nerve grafting for chronic peripheral nerve lesions. Exclusion criteria for the healthy control group were recent neurological trauma, diabetes, neurological and cardiovascular disease, as well as active malignancies and cytotoxic medication within the last 12 months. The over-all architecture of nerve sections and myelination parameters were histomorphometrically analyzed. Immunofluorescent imaging was used to evaluate Schwann cell phenotypes, senescence markers and myelination parameters.

Histomorphometric analysis of nerve biopsies showed significant axonal loss in polyneuropathy patients compared to controls, which was in accordance with the neuropathological findings. Immunofluorescent staining of Schwann cells and myelin basic protein indicated a significant impairment of myelination and lower Schwann cell counts compared to controls. Phenotypic alterations and increased numbers of non-myelinating p75-positive Schwann cells were found in polyneuropathy patients.

This study provided quantitative data of axonal loss, reduced myelination and Schwann cell dysfunction of polyneuropathy patients compared to neurologically healthy controls. Phenotypic alterations of Schwann cells were similar to those seen after peripheral nerve injury, highlighting the clinical relevance of Schwann cell dysfunction.