Zur Mechanik der Markballenbildung bei der Wallerschen Degeneration

Summary Wallerian degeneration was studied in frog single fibers. A new preparation for microscopic observation of peripheral motor fibers in living Rana esculenta was used. The authors studied proximally transected groups of fibers using the polarization technique.The results confirmed that the axon destruction preceds the breakdown of the myelin sheath, and the Schmidt-Lanterman incisures play an important role in the formation of ovoids. Details of the ovoid formation are demonstrated in serial photographs. It is suggested that the incisures of Schmidt-Lanterman are pathways for electrolyte and water transport in Wallerian degeneration.