How are Schwann cells affected in multiple sclerosis patients?

There are substantial differences in the molecular makeup of oligodendrocyte and Schwann cell myelin. read more

In Multiple Sclerosis patients the crucial material, myelin, needed to coat the neurons is being eaten away. the body needs these cells to signal to the rest of the body effectively. when the body is unable to create this material, you begin to get Multiple Sclerosis. read more

These differences may turn out to be clinically important since Schwann cell myelin is not affected in MS, and myelin formed by Schwann cells after transplantation to the CNS may not be a target for the destructive process in MS. read more

Myelin is present in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS); however only the central nervous system is affected by MS. CNS myelin is produced by special cells called oligodendrocytes. PNS myelin is produced by Schwann cells. The two types of myelin are chemically different, but they both perform the same function — to promote efficient transmission of a nerve impulse along the axon. read more