Conduction through demyelinated plaques in multiple sclerosis: computer simulations of facilitation by short internodes. 1978

S G Waxman, and M H Brill

Clinical and laboratory observations both suggest that it may be possible for action potentials to traverse, in a continuous manner and without interruption, demyelinated zones along some axons. This continuous mode of conduction requires the presence of sufficient numbers of sodium channels in the demyelinated region. One of the factors which will tend to prevent such conduction is the impedance mismatch at sites of focal demyelination, which may result in a reduction in current density sufficient to cause conduction failure. As part of an effort to examine the conditions which would promote conduction into, and beyond, the demyelinated region, we examined, using computer simulations, the effects of reduction in length of the proximal internodes closest to the demyelinated region. Our results indicate that reduction in length of the two internodes closest to the demyelinated region. to approximately one-third of normal length or less, will facilitate conduction beyond the plaque. The results suggest that reductions in internode length, which have been histologically observed along some demyelinated fibres, may have functional significance in terms of facilitating conduction past focally demyelinated zones.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008959 Models, Neurological Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of the neurological system, processes or phenomena; includes the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Neurologic Models,Model, Neurological,Neurologic Model,Neurological Model,Neurological Models,Model, Neurologic,Models, Neurologic
D009103 Multiple Sclerosis An autoimmune disorder mainly affecting young adults and characterized by destruction of myelin in the central nervous system. Pathologic findings include multiple sharply demarcated areas of demyelination throughout the white matter of the central nervous system. Clinical manifestations include visual loss, extra-ocular movement disorders, paresthesias, loss of sensation, weakness, dysarthria, spasticity, ataxia, and bladder dysfunction. The usual pattern is one of recurrent attacks followed by partial recovery (see MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, RELAPSING-REMITTING), but acute fulminating and chronic progressive forms (see MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, CHRONIC PROGRESSIVE) also occur. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p903) MS (Multiple Sclerosis),Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating,Sclerosis, Disseminated,Disseminated Sclerosis,Sclerosis, Multiple
D009431 Neural Conduction The propagation of the NERVE IMPULSE along the nerve away from the site of an excitation stimulus. Nerve Conduction,Conduction, Nerve,Conduction, Neural,Conductions, Nerve,Conductions, Neural,Nerve Conductions,Neural Conductions
D011901 Ranvier's Nodes Regularly spaced gaps in the myelin sheaths of peripheral axons. Ranvier's nodes allow saltatory conduction, that is, jumping of impulses from node to node, which is faster and more energetically favorable than continuous conduction. Nodes of Ranvier,Nodes, Ranvier's,Ranvier Nodes,Ranviers Nodes
D003201 Computers Programmable electronic devices designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Calculators, Programmable,Computer Hardware,Computers, Digital,Hardware, Computer,Calculator, Programmable,Computer,Computer, Digital,Digital Computer,Digital Computers,Programmable Calculator,Programmable Calculators
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000200 Action Potentials Abrupt changes in the membrane potential that sweep along the CELL MEMBRANE of excitable cells in response to excitation stimuli. Spike Potentials,Nerve Impulses,Action Potential,Impulse, Nerve,Impulses, Nerve,Nerve Impulse,Potential, Action,Potential, Spike,Potentials, Action,Potentials, Spike,Spike Potential
D001369 Axons Nerve fibers that are capable of rapidly conducting impulses away from the neuron cell body. Axon

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