Reconstruction of single cortical projection neurons reveals primary spine loss in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

See Friese (doi: 10.1093/brain/awv349 ) for a scientific commentary on this article. Neuronal pathology contributes to long-term disability in multiple sclerosis, but where and how this damage is initiated is unclear. Jürgens et al. use high-resolution confocal microscopy to reconstruct single cortical neurons in patients with multiple sclerosis and controls. Results reveal a primary lesion-independent synaptic pathology that challenges current disease concepts