Wisconsin Researchers Show that Thinly Repaired Myelin Sheaths Restore Nerve Function and Persist for Years
October 25, 2017
Myelin sheaths that encase nerve fibers are vital to nerve function and health. Finding ways to enhance the body’s ability to repair myelin that has been damaged by the MS disease process is a priority for restoring function. It has been known that repaired myelin is much thinner than the original sheath, but it wasn’t clear how well the repaired myelin could restore function. Now researchers funded by the National MS Society at the University of Wisconsin show that thinly repaired myelin sheaths are no lightweights: In fact, in models experiencing myelin damage, these sheaths persisted for years, and supported restored neurologic function. These findings may prove important in ongoing and future efforts to evaluate whether experimental therapies to promote myelin repair in MS are working.
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