Inducible expression of FGF2 by a rat oligodendrocyte precursor cell line promotes CNS myelination in vitro.

Transplantation of glial cells into the central nervous system (CNS) may be a promising approach for the treatment of myelin disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Myelination by transplantation of oligodendrocyte precursors has been obtained in different animal models of demyelination. A strategy to favor CNS remyelination is to enrich the lesioned areas in growth factors to stimulate the quiescent population of oligodendrocyte precursors.

Transient exposure to FGF2 enhances myelination in embryonic brain cell cocultures.

The amount of myelination in vivo and in vitro depends on the number of oligodendrocyte progenitors, their differentiation, and on the neuron function. It has been shown that continuous administration of FGF2, a mitotic and neuroprotective factor, allows oligodendrocyte progenitors to proliferate, but prevents them from differentiating and myelinating. This study was designed to test the effect of transient exposure to FGF2 on myelination in an oligodendrocyte/neuron coculture system.

Immunocytological studies of L-MAG expression regulation during myelination of embryonic brain cell cocultures.

The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) possesses two isoforms, known as S-MAG and L-MAG. We followed the expression and localization of L-MAG in comparison to myelin basic protein (MBP) during myelination in dissociated embryonic rat brain cell cocultures. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we observed L-MAG and MBP in oligodendrocyte (OL) cell bodies and processes before and at the onset of myelination.

LR white post-embedding colloidal gold method to immunostain MBP, P0, NF and S100 in glutaraldehyde fixed peripheral nerve tissue.

A variety of immunocytochemical techniques are now widely used for the electron and light microscopic examination of biological samples. They are employed routinely for investigating the role of certain proteins in nervous tissue. Immunoelectron microscopic studies require the tissue to be fixed and embedded in a solid support, which may disrupt cellular structures and destroy crucial antigens.