Induction of myelination in the central nervous system by electrical activity.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
; 93(18): 9887-92, 1996 Sep 03.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-8790426
ABSTRACT
The oligodendrocyte is the myelin-forming cell in the central nervous system. Despite the close interaction between axons and oligodendrocytes, there is little evidence that neurons influence myelinogenesis. On the contrary, newly differentiated oligodendrocytes, which mature in culture in the total absence of neurons, synthesize the myelin-specific constituents of oligodendrocytes differentiated in vivo and even form myelin-like figures. Neuronal electrical activity may be required, however, for the appropriate formation of the myelin sheath. To investigate the role of electrical activity on myelin formation, we have used highly specific neurotoxins, which can either block (tetrodotoxin) or increase (alpha-scorpion toxin) the firing of neurons. We show that myelination can be inhibited by blocking the action potential of neighboring axons or enhanced by increasing their electrical activity, clearly linking neuronal electrical activity to myelinogenesis.
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Sistema Nervioso Central
/
Vaina de Mielina
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Año:
1996
Tipo del documento:
Article