Related Experiment Videos
Multiple sclerosis. Pathology of recurrent lesions
J W Prineas1, R O Barnard, T Revesz
1Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, East Orange, New Jersey.
Brain : a Journal of Neurology
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Recurrent demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS) white matter can cause new lesions within old plaques. This finding suggests repeated attacks, not just plaque edge growth, drive MS lesion development and failed remyelination.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Remyelinated shadow plaques in multiple sclerosis (MS) are thought to result from prior acute demyelination.
- Understanding the evolution of MS lesions is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of new demyelination within pre-existing remyelinated plaques in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To explore the role of recurrent demyelination in MS plaque progression and remyelination failure.
Main Methods:
- Autopsy examination of 98 remyelinated plaques from 15 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- Histological analysis of shadow plaques in patients with varying disease durations.
- Comparison of fresh demyelinating lesions with areas within old shadow plaques.
Main Results:
- 15 out of 98 examined remyelinated plaques showed evidence of new demyelinating lesions.
- Old shadow plaques sometimes contained "punched-out" areas resembling fresh lesions.
- These findings align with MRI data suggesting local recurrence influences plaque growth.
Conclusions:
- Recurrent demyelination within the same white matter area is a significant factor in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion development.
- Local lesion recurrence may be more critical than plaque edge activity in lesion expansion.
- Repeated demyelination may contribute to the failure of remyelination in MS.