Experimental myelin intrusion in the nerve head.

On the assumption that myelin intrusion into the papilla and peripapillary region might occur with traumatic lesions of the optic nerve, a study was made of the clinical and histopathologic changes that might be expected. Nine monkey eyes were subjected to hemostat compression of the nerve close to the globe and studied over variable periods up to 28 days. Myelin was demonstrable ophthalmoscopically, followed by variable and increasing amounts of hemorrhage. The myelin was demonstrable histopathologically only during the first 2 weeks after the manipulation and was then masked by the associated hemorrhage and gliosis. The optic nerve showed expected myelinolytic reactions.