WALLERIAN DEGENERATION: THE SPATIOTEMPORAL CASCADE OF AXONAL DISINTEGRATION AND MYELIN CLEARANCE

Authors

  • Samir Azis Al-Maktab Lecturer, Department of Neurology, Palestine Ahliya University, Bethlehem, Palestine
  • Abu Ghasan Mirza Lecturer, Department of Neurology, Palestine Ahliya University, Bethlehem, Palestine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v8i4.240

Keywords:

Wallerian degeneration, axonal fragmentation, myelin clearance, schwann cells, microglia, calpains, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)

Abstract

Wallerian Degeneration (WD) is an active, highly regulated biological process of axonal decay and subsequent myelin sheath degradation that occurs distal to a site of nerve injury. Originally identified in the mid-19th century, WD remains a fundamental concept in understanding why focal injuries—such as a localized stroke or a peripheral nerve transection—lead to widespread, long-term neurological deficits. The process is triggered by the interruption of the axonal transport system, leading to a rapid influx of calcium and the activation of calpains. These proteases dismantle the axonal cytoskeleton, causing granular disintegration. Following axonal collapse, the myelin sheath undergoes "beading" and fragmentation. In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), this debris is efficiently cleared by macrophages and Schwann cells, facilitating potential regeneration. In contrast, the central nervous system (CNS) exhibits a protracted clearance phase, where the persistence of inhibitory myelin debris contributes to the failure of functional repair. Recognition of Wallerian Degeneration is vital for correlating remote clinical deficits with primary lesions. Advances in Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) now allow for the early detection of WD, providing critical prognostic information regarding the likelihood of motor or sensory recovery in patients with CNS insults.

Author Biographies

  • Samir Azis Al-Maktab, Lecturer, Department of Neurology, Palestine Ahliya University, Bethlehem, Palestine

    Samir Azis Al-Maktab is a Palestinian PhD candidate in Neurology whose research centers on neurodegenerative disorders and molecular mechanisms of neuronal injury. With a background in biomedical sciences, his doctoral work investigates biomarkers associated with disease progression and therapeutic response, integrating laboratory-based analysis with clinical data. Samir has been actively involved in experimental design, data interpretation, and the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. He has presented his findings at academic conferences and values collaboration across disciplines, particularly with clinicians and molecular biologists. In parallel with his research, he contributes to undergraduate teaching in neurophysiology and research methodology. Samir is deeply committed to advancing neurological research infrastructure in Palestine and aims to contribute to early diagnosis strategies and evidence-based interventions for neurodegenerative diseases through an academic research career.

  • Abu Ghasan Mirza, Lecturer, Department of Neurology, Palestine Ahliya University, Bethlehem, Palestine

    Abu Ghasan Mirza is a Palestinian PhD candidate in Neurology whose research focuses on neurovascular disorders and neurological complications associated with systemic disease. His academic training combines neuroscience with clinical research methods, allowing him to analyze large clinical datasets and patient outcomes. His doctoral work examines risk factors, disease progression, and preventative strategies related to cerebrovascular conditions. Abu Ghasan has been involved in research ethics oversight, data management, and scholarly writing, and has contributed to academic presentations. He is also engaged in mentoring undergraduate students and supporting laboratory activities. With a strong interest in public health–oriented neuroscience, he aims to contribute to policy-relevant research and capacity building in Palestine, with the long-term goal of improving neurological outcomes through research-informed clinical and public health initiatives.

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Published

2026-01-28

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

WALLERIAN DEGENERATION: THE SPATIOTEMPORAL CASCADE OF AXONAL DISINTEGRATION AND MYELIN CLEARANCE. (2026). European Journal of Public Health Studies, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v8i4.240