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Lookup NU author(s): Graham Campbell, Dr Don Mahad
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The loss of myelin sheath (demyelination) renders axons vulnerable to a variety of insults. Axonal degeneration is well recognised in inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and also certain neurodegenerative diseases. Energy required for nerve impulse conduction and maintenance of structural integrity of axons is met by mitochondria. Based on the distribution of ion channels and the Na+/K+ ATPase, the energy requirements of demyelinated and dysmyelinated axons are likely to differ from myelinated axons. In this review we discuss the changes in mitochondrial presence within axons in relation to presence or absence of healthy myelin sheaths and propose the increase in mitochondrial presence following demyelination as an adaptive process. An energy deficit within demyelinated axons is likely to be more detrimental compared to myelinated axons, judging by the neuropathological findings in primary mitochondrial disorders due to mitochondrial and nuclear DNA mutations and the mitochondrial changes that follow demyelination. Agents that enhance and protect mitochondria, as potential therapy, need to be considered and investigated in earnest for demyelinating disorders of the CNS such as MS. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. and Mitochondria Research Society. All rights reserved.
Author(s): Campbell GR, Mahad DJ
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Mitochondrion
Year: 2012
Volume: 12
Issue: 2
Pages: 173-179
Print publication date: 13/03/2012
ISSN (print): 1567-7249
ISSN (electronic): 1872-8278
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mito.2011.03.007
DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2011.03.007
