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Cited by 227Multiple Sclerosis Research StudiesNeurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanismsNerve injury and regeneration

Extensive remyelination of the CNS leads to functional recovery

Open access
Duncan, I. D., Brower, A., Kondo, Y., Curlee, J. F., Schultz, R. D.·2009·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
DOI 10.1073/pnas.0812500106PMC PMC2672502
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Abstract

Remyelination of the CNS in multiple sclerosis is thought to be important to restore conduction and protect axons against degeneration. Yet the role that remyelination plays in clinical recovery of function remains unproven. Here, we show that cats fed an irradiated diet during gestation developed a severe neurologic disease resulting from extensive myelin vacuolation and subsequent demyelination. Despite the severe myelin degeneration, axons remained essentially intact. There was a prompt endogenous response by cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage to the demyelination, with remyelination occurring simultaneously. Cats that were returned to a normal diet recovered slowly so that by 3–4 months they were neurologically normal. Histological examination of the CNS at this point showed extensive remyelination that was especially notable in the optic nerve where almost the entire nerve was remyelinated. Biochemical analysis of the diet and tissues from affected cats showed no dietary deficiencies or toxic accumulations. Thus, although the etiology of this remarkable disease remains unknown, it shows unequivocally that where axons are preserved remyelination is the default pathway in the CNS in nonimmune-mediated demyelinating disease. Most importantly, it confirms the clinical relevance of remyelination and its ability to restore function.

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  • Remyelination is a regenerative process of the adult CNS that restores saltatory impulse conduction and trophic support to axons.

    “Remyelination is a crucial regenerative process in demyelinating diseases, limiting persisting damage to the CNS. It restores saltatory nerve conduction and ensures trophic support of axons.”

    From BCAS1-positive oligodendrocytes enable efficient cortical remyelination in multiple sclerosis (2025) · cites this paper as [2]

    The Discussion states that remyelination restores fast, secure saltatory conduction, and the introductory passage says it can protect demyelinated fibers against loss. Our copy does not say that remyelination ensures trophic support of axons; protection against loss does not establish that specific mechanism. (LLM, conf=0.87)

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Research works printed but not linked: 20

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Duncan, I. D., Brower, A., Kondo, Y., Curlee, J. F., & Schultz, R. D.
Affiliations
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison (US)
  • Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 445 Easterday Lane, Madison, WI 53706; and
  • Harlan Laboratories, P.O. Box 44220, Madison, WI 53744
ORCID
Venue
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Publisher
National Academy of Sciences
Published
2009-04-21
Volume
106
Issue
16
Pages
6832-6836
ISSN
  • 0027-8424 (ISSN-L)
  • 1091-6490
DOI
10.1073/pnas.0812500106
PMC
PMC2672502
OpenAlex
W2050596253
Cited by
227
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 32 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 18 · 2016: 15 · 2015: 15 · 2014: 11 · 2013: 9 · 2012: 8
FWCI
6.36
Type
journal article
Language
en
Update notices
correction (2009-07-21)
Open access
Locations
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Nerve injury and regeneration
Keywords
remyelination, demyelination, multiple sclerosis, functional recovery, oligodendrocyte lineage, optic nerve, cats
MeSH terms
Animals, Cats, Central Nervous System, Female, Myelin Sheath, Optic Nerve, Pregnancy, Recovery of Function

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