Objective To explore the axonal damages in demyelination disease and its time window and morphological features of damaged axons.  Methods Mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS) was prepared by immunizing C57BL/6J mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptides

35-55

(MOG

35-55

) to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Inflammation

demyelination and axonal damage at different time points of EAE including preonset

onset

peak and chronic were observed by common histology and specific stainings for the central nervous system.  Results Demyelination and axonal damage occurred at the early stage of EAE

and was strongly related to inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination of the central nervous system. Damaged axons showed the typical morphological fea

tures

including axon distortion

swelling

irregular diameter

axon transection with the ends ovoid

or bulb

and even axon disappearance.  Conclusion Axonal damage is an early and common event in demyelination disease

and many factors might contribute to axonal damage.