Organization and Structure in Central-Nerve Myelin

Degeneration of the myelin sheath in areas of the central nervous system is a characteristic feature of multiple sclerosis. The processes that cause this degradation of myelin during the course of the disease are not yet fully defined though the involvement of invading inflammatory cells is likely. Any discussion on how the myelin sheath is attacked and broken down in situ during disease must be undertaken in the light of how the chemical constituents of the myelin membrane system are organized under normal conditions. An appreciation of the complex biosynthetic and metabolic interrelationships that exist between the myelin sheath and the myelin synthesizing cell, and perhaps with the other cell types present in central nerve tissue, is also required.