ACTRIMS 2023 | The effects of myelin loss and remyelination on visual cortical function

Vision abnormalities are present in most patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), often being the first symptom to manifest. However, how myelin loss affects neuronal activity and visual function and whether myelin repair can restore neuronal function is not yet known. Gustavo Della Flora Nunes, PhD, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, describes findings from a preclinical study investigating the effects of myelin loss and repair on neuronal activity in the primary visual cortex using a demyelinating injury in the absence of autoimmunity. Results showed that demyelination resulted in oligodendrocyte loss and concomitant increase in visual response latency at population and single neuron levels and decreased P100 amplitude. Additionally, they tested the ability of a thyromimetic to modify oligodendrocyte regeneration and functional recovery in the primary visual cortex. Treatment following demyelination increased oligodendrocyte replacement and reversed both the increased latencies and the decreased P100 amplitude. This interview took place at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum 2023 in San Diego, CA.

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