Proliferation of Schwann cells in tellurium-induced demyelination in young rats. A radioautographic and teased nerve fiber study.

This is a study of DNA synthesis of Schwann cells during the demyelination and the remyelination of peripheral nerves secondary to the intoxication of young rats with tellurium (Te). 3H-thymidine uptake of Schwann cells begins on day 4, reaches a zenith on day 7, and ends before day 20 on the Te diet despite continuation of the diet. The chronology of pathologic events is that myelin breakdown leading to segmental demyelination occurs first, followed within 24--48 h by the appearance of paralysis and by the beginning of DNA synthesis by the Schwann cells. A quantitative study on isolated nerve fiber preparations showed that more Schwann cells are produced than necessary to cope with the remyelination and that only one of four to six Schwann cells present in the demyelinated area at day 12 will participate in the remyelinating process.