The nodes of Ranvier in the nerves of mice with muscular dystrophy.

Light microscopic, and scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies of the nodes of Ranvier of the distal peripheral nerves of mice with muscular dystrophy (dy/dy) are reported. Extensive widening of the nodes, retraction of Schwann cell cytoplasm and myelin, paranodal thinning of the myelin sheaths, and loss of nodal gap substance were observed. There was no loss of myelinated fibers. The changes at the nodes of Ranvier probably explain the slowed maximum conduction velocity observed in dystrophic peripheral nerves.