Another effect of the inflammation is to kill special special CNS maintenance cells, called glial cells . The most vulnerable glial cells are a sub-type called oligodendrocytes which are responsible for the production and maintenance of myelin. As the disease progresses, axons and neurons may also be destroyed. After axons have been demyelinated, several things can happen. The inflammation dies back.
Demyelinated axons can exhibit remarkable abilities to function despite losing their myelin.
Recent work has shown that they produce greater numbers of sodium channels . The central nervous system is a very plastic organ and new neuronal pathways and connections can be created to get around the damaged neurons. This is analagous to a motorist taking a minor road to avoid a traffic accident on their intended route. Although it is clear that this mechanism contributes to remission, it is far from clear what the exact details are and much work remains to be done in this area. The myelin maintenance cells in the CNS, the oligodendrocytes , can sponsor remyelination - a process whereby the myelin sheath around the axon is repaired.