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The development of Schmidt-Lanterman incisures: an electron microscope study.
J R Small1, M N Ghabriel, G Allt
1Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, Middlesex Hospital Medical School, London.
Journal of Anatomy
|February 1, 1987
Summary
This study details the formation of Schmidt-Lanterman incisures in rat nerves during myelination. Two types, primary and secondary incisures, were identified and characterized by their unique developmental patterns and structures.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Schmidt-Lanterman incisures are crucial structural components of myelinated nerve fibers.
- Understanding their development is key to comprehending nerve fiber maturation and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental process of Schmidt-Lanterman incisures in the rat sural nerve during postnatal myelination.
- To propose a new nomenclature for the distinct developmental stages of these incisures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electron microscopy to examine the ultrastructure of the rat sural nerve.
- Analyzed myelination stages in postnatal rats from 5 to 21 days.
Main Results:
- Identified two distinct populations of incisures: primary (appearing early, full radial thickness) and secondary (appearing later, partial radial thickness).
- Described the distinct morphological characteristics (sectoral vs. circumferential, asymmetric vs. symmetric) of primary and secondary incisures in transverse and longitudinal sections.
- Documented the maturation process of both incisure types into the mature form and noted their adaxial/abaxial appearance changes over time.
Conclusions:
- The study proposes a novel classification and developmental pathway for Schmidt-Lanterman incisures.
- The findings offer insights into myelin sheath plasticity and ultrastructure during development and potentially during remyelination.