Decreased mitochondrial activity in the demyelinating cerebellum of progressive multiple sclerosis and chronic EAE contributes to Purkinje cell loss.

ABSTRACT: In multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebellar gray matter atrophy, white matter demyelination, and Purkinje cell (PC) loss have been linked to tremors, impaired motor control, and loss of coordination. Similar pathologies have been observed in the mouse model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). This study hypothesized that inflammatory demyelination of the cerebellum alters overall mitochondrial function and is a contributor to axon degeneration and PC loss. Postmortem cerebellar tissue from MS patients, particularly those with secondary progressive MS, showed decreased mitochondrial complex IV (COXIV) activity and significant PC loss. Inflammation, PC axon demyelination, axon degeneration, and parallel fiber loss were also evident. These findings were mirrored in late-stage E

SUBMITTER: Atkinson KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12207518 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature