Inflammation, demyelination, neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
Although axonal loss has been observed in demyelinated multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions, there has been a major focus on understanding mechanisms of demyelination. However, identification of markers for axonal damage and development of new imaging techniques has enabled detection of subtle changes in axonal pathology and revived interest in the neurodegenerative component of MS. Axonal loss is generally accepted as the main determinant of permanent clinical disability. However, the role of axonal loss early in disease or during relapsing-remitting disease is still under investigation, as are the interactions and interdependency between inflammation, demyelination, neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in the pathogenesis of MS.
Peterson
Lisa K
LK
Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East, 3R330 SOM, Salt Lake City, UT 84132-2305, USA.
Fujinami
Robert S
RS
D000818:Animals; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009410:Nerve Degeneration