myelinotoxicity

Full Definition

Myelinotoxicity refers to the capacity of certain substances, immune mediators, or pathological processes to cause direct damage to myelin, the lipid-rich substance that forms protective sheaths around nerve fibers. This damage can result from toxic metabolites, complement activation, antibody-mediated cytotoxicity, or inflammatory mediators. Myelinotoxic effects are distinguished from secondary myelin loss due to axonal damage, representing primary destruction of the myelin sheath itself. Understanding myelinotoxic mechanisms is crucial for developing neuroprotective therapies.

Usage

Usage note: Prefer as one word; avoid hyphenated form 'myelino-toxicity'.

In Context

• "The study investigated the myelinotoxicity of various inflammatory cytokines in oligodendrocyte cultures." — Neuroscience research paper
• "Drug-induced myelinotoxicity was suspected based on the pattern of white matter lesions." — Clinical case report