Changes of statistical structural fluctuations unveils an early compacted degraded stage of PNS myelin

• DOI: 10.1038/srep05430
• Publication Date: 2014-06-25T09:21:32Z
• Authors: Nicola Poccia; Gaetano Campi; Alessandro Ricci; Alessandra S. Cap...; Emanuela Di Cola; Thomas A. Hawkins; Antonio Bianconi
• Keywords: Wallerian degeneration; Degeneration (medical)

Degradation of the myelin sheath is a common pathology underlying demyelinating neurological diseases from Multiple Sclerosis to Leukodistrophies. Although large malformations ultrastructure in advanced stages Wallerian degradation known, its subtle structural variations at early demyelination remains poorly characterized. This partly due lack suitable and non-invasive experimental probes possessing sufficient resolution detect degradation. Here we report feasibility application an innovative local structure approach for imaging changes statistical fluctuations first stage degeneration. Scanning micro X-ray diffraction, using advances synchrotron x-ray beam focusing, fast data collection, paired with spatial analysis, has been used unveil temporal dissected nerves following extraction Xenopus laevis sciatic nerve. The degeneration specific ordered compacted phase preceding swollen Our demonstration analysis SµXRD measurements biological tissue paves way further investigations death neurons other cells tissues diverse pathological states where nanoscale may be uncovered.