Related Experiment Videos
Temporary adhesions between axons and myelin-forming processes.
T J Sims1, S A Gilmore, S G Waxman
1Department of Anatomy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205-7199.
Brain Research
|May 16, 1988
Summary
Junctional complexes form between Schwann cells and axons during spinal cord myelination in rats. These complexes may stabilize and guide the myelin sheath formation process.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Spinal Cord Research
Background:
- Irradiation of rat spinal cords triggers Schwann cell invasion and myelination.
- Oligodendrocyte myelination is impaired following irradiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate junctional complexes between Schwann cells and axons during spinal cord myelination.
- Determine if similar complexes exist during normal oligodendrocyte myelination.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy of rat spinal cord tissue post-irradiation.
- Examination of normal rat spinal cords for comparison.
Main Results:
- Junctional complexes observed between intraspinal Schwann cells and axolemma during myelination.
- Similar complexes found between oligodendrocyte processes and axons in normal spinal cords.
- Coated vesicles frequently fused with axolemma during early myelination stages.
Conclusions:
- Junctional complexes likely stabilize and guide the myelin-forming process.
- These junctions may actively promote myelin wrapping through temporary adhesions.
- Coated vesicles might regulate junctional membrane dynamics during myelination.