Mechanisms Underlying the Process of Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis

The author generalizes and analyzes the published data and her own findings related to the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying a demyelinating disease, multiple sclerosis. The mechanisms of the immunopathogenic process in multiple sclerosis, the involvement of microglia and astrocytes in destruction of the myelin sheaths, and injury of oligodendrocytes are discussed. Experimental models used for examination of the processes of demyelination of the nerve tissue in vitro (tissue cultures) and in vivo (experimental allergic encephalomyelitis) are also described.