In Multiple Sclerosis Oligodendrocytes?

Oligodendrocytes are the cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that produce myelin. In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), oligodendrocytes are damaged and myelin that normally insulates the axons of nerve cells is lost, a process known as demyelination.

What happens to oligodendrocytes in multiple sclerosis?

What happens to oligodendrocytes in MS? In MS, the body's own immune system thinks the oligodendrocytes are infections and attacks them and their myelin. This means the nerve cells are exposed to damage, and the messages can't get through as efficiently, or may not get through at all.

Are oligodendrocytes affected in multiple sclerosis?

In MS, myelin-forming oligodendrocytes (OLGs) are the targets of inflammatory and immune attacks. OLG death by apoptosis or necrosis causes the cell loss seen in MS plaques.