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Spotlight on Trans-Synaptic Degeneration in the Visual Pathway in Multiple Sclerosis
Angeliki G Filippatou1, Peter A Calabresi1, Shiv Saidha1
1Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Eye and Brain
|January 3, 2024
Summary
Trans-synaptic degeneration (TSD) may cause neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). This review examines evidence for TSD in the MS visual system, both forward and backward, impacting retinal and posterior pathway neurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently affects the visual system.
- Trans-synaptic degeneration (TSD) is a proposed mechanism for neurodegeneration in MS.
- The visual system's structured nature makes it suitable for studying TSD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for anterograde and retrograde TSD in the visual system of MS patients.
- To explore the role of TSD in MS-related visual pathway damage.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating neurodegeneration in the MS visual system.
- Analysis of evidence supporting TSD mechanisms (anterograde and retrograde).
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests anterograde TSD: optic neuropathy leading to posterior visual pathway degeneration.
- Evidence suggests retrograde TSD: posterior visual pathway lesions causing retinal degeneration.
- Both directions of TSD contribute to visual impairment in MS.
Conclusions:
- TSD is a significant factor in visual pathway damage in multiple sclerosis.
- Understanding TSD is crucial for developing targeted therapies for MS-related visual dysfunction.
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