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Updated: Sep 27, 2026

A Cell Culture Model for Studying the Role of Neuron-Glia Interactions in Ischemia
Published on: November 14, 2020
Oligodendrocytes and ischemic brain injury
Deborah Dewar1, Suzanne M Underhill, Mark P Goldberg
1Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Glasgow, Wellcome Surgical Institute, Garscube Estate, Bearsden Road, Glasgow C61 1QH, Scotland, UK. d.dewar@udcf.gla.ac.uk
Abstract:
Oligodendrocytes, myelin-forming glial cells of the central nervous system, are vulnerable to damage in a variety of neurologic diseases. Much is known of primary myelin injury, which occurs in settings of genetic dysmyelination or demyelinating disease. There is growing awareness that oligodendrocytes are also targets of injury in acute ischemia. Recognition of oligodendrocyte damage in animal models of ischemia requires attention to their distinct histologic features or use of specific immunocytochemical markers. Like neurons, oligodendrocytes are highly sensitive to injury by oxidative stress, excitatory amino acids, trophic factor deprivation, and activation of apoptotic pathways. Understanding mechanisms of oligodendrocyte death may suggest new therapeutic strategies to preserve or restore white matter function and structure after ischemic insults.
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