demyelinate
/diˈmaɪəˌleɪnˌeɪt/
verb
- To damage or remove the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, often causing neurological problems.
- Certain diseases can demyelinate the nerves, leading to loss of muscle control.
- The virus was found to demyelinate neurons in the spinal cord.
- Researchers are studying how to stop the immune system from attacking and demyelinating healthy nerve cells.