1. Demyelination: One of the hallmark features of MLD is the progressive loss of myelin sheaths around nerve fibers. This is visible under a microscope as areas of white matter that lack the usual dense, organized appearance of myelinated fibers.
2. Astrocytic Gliosis: In response to demyelination, there is often an increase in the number and size of astrocytes, a type of glial cell. This process, known as gliosis, is a form of scarring within the central nervous system.
3. Presence of Metachromatic Granules: The accumulation of sulfatides in cells, particularly oligodendrocytes, results in the presence of metachromatic granules. These granules change color when stained with specific dyes, providing a diagnostic clue.
