How the nervous system responds to immune system attacking schwann cells leading to breakdown of material they produce
The correct answer and explanation is:
When the immune system attacks Schwann cells, the result is typically the breakdown of myelin, the fatty material produced by these cells to insulate and protect nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system. This condition is commonly seen in diseases like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), where the body’s immune system mistakenly targets its own cells.
Schwann cells are crucial for the formation of myelin, which wraps around nerve axons to allow for faster and more efficient transmission of electrical signals. When these cells are damaged, the myelin sheaths break down, leading to slower signal transmission, or in severe cases, complete failure of nerve function. The immune system’s attack typically involves the activation of T-cells and the production of antibodies that target Schwann cells, specifically their myelin-producing components.
As myelin is lost, the conduction of nerve impulses becomes impaired, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, and in some cases, paralysis. The affected nerves become more vulnerable to further injury, and the body’s ability to repair these damaged areas can be hindered due to the immune response.
In response to the breakdown of myelin, the nervous system attempts to repair the damage. Schwann cells can regenerate in some cases, but the process is slow, and in chronic conditions, the regenerative capacity may be overwhelmed. The immune response, while intended to defend against infection or injury, causes an inflammatory environment that complicates repair efforts and prolongs the dysfunction of affected nerves.
Overall, the immune attack on Schwann cells leads to impaired nerve function, and the recovery process often depends on the ability of the immune system to regulate its response and allow for repair of the myelin.