Conduction Velocity in the Central Nervous System of the Cat During Experimental Demyelination and Remyelination

Abstract

In adult cats, cerebrospinal fluid manipulation over the lumbar dorsal columns produces a demyelinative lesion at the site of barbotage. Following demyelination, remyelination of fibers in this lesion most likely occurs. Conduction velocities were measured in the fastest conducting dorsal column fibers in the thoracolumbar segments in normal animals and in those with demyelinative lesions of varying duration. In animals with lesions from 2 to 24 weeks in duration, conduction velocities were reduced at the site of the lesion compared with those determined in normals or in segments caudal and rostral to the lesion. In animals with lesions from 32 to 38 weeks in duration, velocities were normal at the site of the lesion. This study supports the theory that the speed of nerve transmission in mammalian CNS fibers can be reduced by the process of demyelination and that with subsequent incomplete remyelination, conduction velocity can be normal.