The oligodendroglial cell: biology and immunology and relationship to multiple sclerosis

Myelin is elaborated and maintained in the central nervous system by the oligodendrocyte. The interaction between the oligodendrocyte and the neuron which initiates myelin formation is of major importance, and modern immunological technology using monoclonal antibodies and the fluorescence activated cell sorter have provided the means by which purified homogeneous populations of oligodendrocytes and neurons can be studied in vitro. The oligodendrocyte appears to have limited capacity to divide in situ which may contribute to the vulnerability of such cells in disease states; however it has been found that under certain culture conditions oligodendrocytes can proliferate in vitro. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with loss of oligodendrocytes within the lesions and the intractability of the disease compared to other demyelinating conditions, both experimental and clinical, suggests, that the oligodendrocyte is the primary target of this disease. The cause of oligodendrocyte destruction is as yet uncertain although an immunological response may be in part responsible. The possible mechanism of immune recognition and cytolysis are discussed with regard to the unique nature of the nervous system.