Myelin proteins in Wallerian degeneration of the optic nerve

The development of changes in the protein spectrum of the rabbit optic nerve undergoing Wallerian degeneration was studied and compared with the time sequence of the previously established changes occurring in the lipid composition of the degenerating nerve. The myelin protein spectrum remained essentially unchanged till 32 days after enucleation to show a decrease of the relative content of basic myelin proteins accompanied by increased percentages of the Wolfgram protein during the forthcoming development of Wallerian degeneration. The occurrence of changes in the myelin protein spectrum was significantly delayed in comparison with the onset of enhanced esterification of myelin cholesterol, and thus the latter process, and not the hydrolysis of basic protein is considered as an early event, weakening the molecular structure of the myelin membrane that might initiate the demyelinating process.