Myelin changes in leprous neuropathy.

Myelin changes were observed in fibres of nerves from cases of leprosy. The myelin had a 'loosened' appearance caused by increased and irregular separation of the intraperiod line. 'Loosening' might affect all, or only some, of the lamellae forming a myelin sheath. There was a patchy distribution of fibres with abnormal myelin, and they were seen only in nerves showing other marked pathological changes including the presence of oedema. The appearances are suggestive of intramyelinic oedema which may be related to the presence of endoneurial oedema.