Induction of myelination in the central nervous system by electrical activity.

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.93.18.9887
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T14:43:20Z
• Authors: C Demerens; B Stankoff; M Logak; P Anglade; B Allinquant; F Couraud; B Zalc; C Lubetzki
• Keywords: Myelinogenesis; Tetrodotoxin

The oligodendrocyte is the myelin-forming cell in central nervous system. Despite close interaction between axons and oligodendrocytes, there little evidence that neurons influence myelinogenesis. On contrary, newly differentiated which mature culture total absence of neurons, synthesize myelin-specific constituents oligodendrocytes vivo even form myelin-like figures. Neuronal electrical activity may be required, however, for appropriate formation myelin sheath. To investigate role on formation, we have used highly specific neurotoxins, can either block (tetrodotoxin) or increase (alpha-scorpion toxin) firing neurons. We show myelination inhibited by blocking action potential neighboring enhanced increasing their activity, clearly linking neuronal to