Myelin sheath, ultrastructure

The chronic effect of carbon disulfide and ethanol was examined by Opacka et al. (1984). Rats were exposed to 257 ppm of carbon disulfide for 5 hours a day, 6 days a week, for 11 months, and 10% ethanol (in water ad libitum for the last 3 months, control water ad libitum). Control rats were exposed to filtered air. The behavior, memory, and learning ability of the ethanol-fed rats were adversely affected compared to controls. Additional studies indicate biochemical alterations in the central nervous system and increased -glucuronidase activity ultrastructural studies show degeneration in the peripheral nervous system, particularly in the myelin sheath. These authors reported that the effects from combined exposures are greater than those from each substance alone. Wronska-Nofer et al. (1986) investigated the... 

FIGURE 5-3 Variation in biomembranes in different cell types, (a) A smooth, flexible membrane covers the surface of the discoid erythrocyte cell, (b) Tufts of cilia (Cl) project from the ependymal cells that line the brain ventricles, (c) Many nerve axons are enveloped in a myelin sheath composed of multiple layers of modified plasma membrane. The individual myelin layers can be seen in this electron micrograph of a cross section of an axon (AX). The myelin sheath is formed by an adjacent supportive (glial) cell (SC). [Parts (a) and (b) from R. G. Kessel and R. H. Kardon, 1979, Tissues and Organs A Text-Atlas oT Scanning Electron Microscopy, W. H. Freeman and Company. Part (c) from P C. Cross and K. L. Mercer, 1993, Cell and Tissue Ultrastructure A Functional Perspective, W. FI. Freeman and Company, p. 137]... 

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