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Glial cells and axo-glial interactions: implications for demyelinating disorders
S G Waxman1, J A Black, H Sontheimer
1Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
Clinical Neuroscience (New York, N.Y.)
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Glial cells, including oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, are crucial for central nervous system axon health. Manipulating these cells may restore nerve signal conduction after demyelination.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Glial Cell Biology
Background:
- Oligodendrocytes produce myelin, essential for central nervous system (CNS) axons.
- Perinodal astrocytes interact with axon membranes at nodes of Ranvier.
- Astrocytes may play a role in reorganizing axon membranes post-demyelination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the roles of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in CNS white matter axon function.
- To investigate the potential of glial cell manipulation for restoring conduction after demyelination.
Main Methods:
- Review of morphological and physiological studies on glial cell transplantation and function.
- Examination of astrocyte-derived sodium channels and their properties.
- Analysis of myelin production and axon conduction velocity following glial cell transplantation.
Main Results:
- Astrocytes synthesize neuronal-like voltage-sensitive sodium channels.
- Transplanted myelin-forming cells can produce normally structured myelin.
- Exogenous myelination significantly increases axon conduction velocities in demyelinated CNS regions.
Conclusions:
- Astrocytes may target, anchor, or synthesize ion channels for axons, and contribute to ionic homeostasis.
- Glial cell manipulation, particularly involving oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, shows promise for promoting CNS white matter axon recovery.