Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
09:46
Analyzing Murine Schwann Cell Development Along Growing Axons
Published on: November 21, 2012
Long-range intercellular signalling in glial cells of the peripheral nerve
1Department of Pharmacology, Medical University Centre, Geneva, Switzerland.
Neuroreport
|January 31, 1994
Summary
Schwann cells, traditionally viewed as silent, can generate long-lasting electrical signals. This novel intercellular signaling in peripheral glia may modulate axonal excitability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Glial Cell Biology
Background:
- Schwann cells are satellite cells surrounding peripheral nerve axons.
- They are generally considered electrically silent but possess ionic channels.
- These channels share similarities with those in axons used for nerve impulse transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrical activity of Schwann cells.
- To determine if Schwann cells can generate and propagate electrical signals.
- To explore the potential role of these signals in regulating axonal excitability.
Main Methods:
- Applying short, gentle electrical stimuli to Schwann cells.
- Observing and measuring the resulting electrical potentials.
- Analyzing the propagation of these potentials along the Schwann cell syncytium.
Main Results:
- Schwann cells generate a long-lasting depolarizing potential in response to electrical stimulation.
- This potential propagates slowly along the Schwann cell syncytium.
- This represents a novel form of long-range intercellular signaling in peripheral glia.
Conclusions:
- Schwann cells are not electrically silent and can generate propagating electrical signals.
- This signaling may be initiated by axonal electrical activity.
- These signals could play a role in regulating axonal excitability.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Paracrine Signaling
Paracrine signaling allows cells to communicate with their immediate neighbors via secretion of signaling molecules. Such a signal can only trigger a response in nearby target cells because the signal molecules degrade quickly or are inactivated if not taken up. Prominent examples of paracrine signaling include nitric oxide signaling in blood vessels, synaptic signaling of neurons, the blood clotting system, tissue repair/wound healing, and local allergic skin reactions. Nitric oxide as a...
01:04Glial Cells
Overview
02:03What is Cell Signaling?
Despite the protective membrane that separates a cell from the environment, cells need the ability to detect and respond to environmental changes. Additionally, cells often need to communicate with one another. Unicellular and multicellular organisms use a variety of cell signaling mechanisms to communicate to respond to the environment.
01:21Paracrine Signaling
Paracrine signaling allows cells to communicate with their immediate neighbors via secretion of signaling molecules. Such a signal can only trigger a response in nearby target cells because the signal molecules degrade quickly or are inactivated if not taken up. Prominent examples of paracrine signaling include nitric oxide signaling in blood vessels, synaptic signaling of neurons, the blood clotting system, tissue repair/wound healing, and local allergic skin reactions. Nitric oxide as a...
01:23Overview of Cell Signaling
Despite the protective membrane that separates a cell from the environment, cells need the ability to detect and respond to environmental changes. Additionally, cells often need to communicate with one another. Unicellular and multicellular organisms use a variety of cell signaling mechanisms to communicate with the environment.
Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. For example, skin cells respond to and transmit touch...
Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. For example, skin cells respond to and transmit touch...
01:31Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells
Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...