Radial component of central myelin in normal and quaking mice

Radial component of myelin sheaths was investigated in C57BL and quaking mice. In immature myelinated fibres of C57BL mice, more than one group of radial component were observed in the several regions of myelin sheaths while in mature fibres, one group of radial component was localized between the internal mesaxon and outer tongue process which were situated within 90 degrees of each other. In thinly myelinated fibres of adult quaking mice, numerous groups of radial component were found at random distance and directions but they were always closely related to the cytoplasmic islands of oligodendroglia. Even in quaking mice, small well myelinated fibres showed normal mature pattern of radial component. Possible functional significance of radial component was briefly discussed.