Axonal lesions and PDGF-enhanced remyelination in the rat corpus callosum after lysolecithin demyelination.

In multiple sclerosis (MS), demyelination is often accompanied by axonal lesions, which largely account for patient disability. We therefore studied the consequences of demyelination induced by lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) on the axonal cytoskeleton, particularly neurofilaments (NF) and tubulin, in the adult rat corpus callosum. Immunocytochemistry showed that NF immunolabelled fibres decreased by 49% in the LPC injured area at day 15. Since it has been previously demonstrated that PDGF improves remyelination, we performed a comparative study between LPC controls and PDGF-treated (1 microg) animals. In these later animals, immunolabelling for NFL and NFM (NFH subunit excepted) was increased by 142 and 63%, respectively, indicating reduction of axonal abnormalities. These results extend the potential therapeutic role of PDGF in MS.