QS2: Schwann Cell Characteristics, Myelination Parameters and Histomorphometric Analysis of Nerve Biopsies in Polyneuropathy Patients Compared to Controls

Purpose: Polyneuropathy is a debilitating condition characterized by distal sensory and motoric deficits. Common risk factors in Western countries include diabetes, alcohol abuse, cytostatic drugs and cardiovascular disease. Vascular and neurochemical factors affect cells of the peripheral nervous system. Schwann cell dysfunction and impaired nerve regeneration are important pathophysiological mechanisms that are associated with changes in cellular metabolism, signal transduction and neurotrophic signaling. In experimental models of polyneuropathy, Schwann cell dysfunction and altered myelination were described. Clinically, there is very limited knowledge about Schwann cell characteristics and function in polyneuropathy patients. In this study, we investigated Schwann cell characteristics, nerve fibers and myelination parameters in nerve biopsies obtained from polyneuropathy patients compared to controls.