“Myelin is synthesized as a multilamellar membrane, but the mechanisms of membrane turnover are unknown. We found that myelin pieces were gradually released from aging myelin sheaths and were subsequently cleared by microglia.”

.

“Myelin fragmentation increased with age and led to the formation

of insoluble, lipofuscin-like lysosomal inclusions in microglia. Thus,

age-related myelin fragmentation is substantial, leading to lysosomal storage and contributing to microglial senescence and immune dysfunction in aging.”

.

S.Safaiyan, et al

Age-related myelin degradation burdens the clearance function of microglia during aging

Nature Neuroscience — Volume 19 #8 — August 2016 — page 99