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Canine oligodendrocytes undergo morphological changes in response to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in vitro
1Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706, USA.
Glia
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) can alter oligodendrocyte cell plasticity. This study shows bFGF changes oligodendrocyte morphology and cell division, indicating a fundamental shift in their potential.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Mature oligodendrocytes are generally considered terminally differentiated cells with limited plasticity.
- Previous research has not fully explored the potential for phenotypic changes in these cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the plasticity of mature canine oligodendrocytes in response to basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF).
- To determine if bFGF can induce morphological and mitotic changes in cultured oligodendrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Cultured early postnatal canine oligodendrocytes in a serum-free, defined medium.
- Exposed cells to varying concentrations of bFGF (5-100 ng/ml).
- Assessed morphological and mitotic responses, including reactions to subsequent fetal bovine serum (FBS) stimulation.
Main Results:
- bFGF significantly altered both the morphology and mitotic potential of oligodendrocytes.
- Oligodendrocytes pre-exposed to bFGF exhibited distinct morphological changes upon stimulation with FBS compared to naive cells.
- These findings suggest bFGF induces a fundamental change in oligodendrocyte plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) can induce phenotypic plasticity in mature oligodendrocytes.
- This plasticity may involve alterations in cell morphology and proliferative capacity.
- Further research into bFGF's role could have implications for myelin repair and neurological disorders.