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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
10:17
Analysis of Schwann-astrocyte Interactions Using In Vitro Assays
Published on: January 13, 2011
Plasminogen activator secretion in relation to Schwann cell activities
A Krystosek1, S Verrall, N W Seeds
1Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Genetics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262.
Summary
Neural secretory plasminogen activators were studied in Schwann cells. Findings suggest no direct link between plasminogen activator secretion and cell replication or migration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Schwann cells are crucial for peripheral nerve function.
- Plasminogen activators (PAs) are enzymes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling.
- The role of PAs in Schwann cell proliferation and migration is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize neural secretory plasminogen activators in Schwann cells.
- To investigate the association between PA secretion and Schwann cell mitosis and migration.
Main Methods:
- Primary cultures of high-purity Schwann cells from peripheral sensory ganglion roots.
- Gel electrophoresis and caseinolytic activity assays to detect PAs.
- Assessment of cell proliferation using [3H]thymidine incorporation.
- Autoradiography/fibrin overlay and gold particle clearing/fibrin overlay assays for single-cell analysis.
Main Results:
- Both tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators were detected in early cultures.
- Tissue-type PA levels decreased over time in culture.
- Serum-free conditions showed the highest PA-secreting cell numbers despite lower proliferation.
- No obligatory association was found between PA secretion and cell replication or motility.
Conclusions:
- Schwann cells secrete both tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators.
- PA secretion is not obligatorily linked to Schwann cell mitosis or migration.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise functions of PAs in Schwann cell biology.
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