Conduction properties of central demyelinated and remyelinated axons, and their relation to symptom production in demyelinating disorders.
The conduction properties of central demyelinated and remyelinated axons are discussed, and related to the expression of symptoms in central demyelinating disease. The mechanisms underlying the block and restoration of conduction in segmentally demyelinated axons are described, together with the range of deficits expressed by the conducting axons. These abnormalities are related to clinical relapses and remissions, and to the phenomena of weakness, fatigue, the temperature sensitivity of symptoms, and the generation of 'positive' symptoms (e.g. Uhthoff's and Lhermitte's symptoms). The potential role of circulating 'blocking factors' in the symptomatology of central demyelinating disease is examined, and some approaches are advanced for the symptomatic therapy of such diseases.
Department of Neurology, United Medical School of Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
K J
KJ
Smith
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D001831:Body Temperature; D002415:Cats; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000502:physiology; D009431:Neural Conduction; D012106:Research; D009435:Synaptic Transmission; D013997:Time Factors