Microscopically with stain for myelin, the area at the left is pale from demyelination compared to the normally myelinated white matter in a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS). The axons remain, but there is immunologic attack on myelin, leading to a variety of neurologic problems. Normal gray matter is present at the far right. Only CNS myelin is targeted, not the peripheral myelin produced by Schwann cells.


In the animation of CSF gel electrophoresis shown below, Lane 1 represents a normal pattern, with the largest band of albumin at the left, followed by smaller fainter bands for alpha 1, alpha 2, and beta globulins. The gamma globulin fraction is at the right. Note in Lane 2 a pattern with multiple sclerosis and "oligoclonal bands" in the gamma region.
Lane 1

a

Lane 2

a