scholarly journals Immunocytochemical studies of quaking mice support a role for the myelin-associated glycoprotein in forming and maintaining the periaxonal space and periaxonal cytoplasmic collar of myelinating Schwann cells.

1984 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
pp. 594-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
B D Trapp ◽  
R H Quarles ◽  
K Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Immunocytochemical Localization ◽  
Myelinated Fibers ◽  
Cell Plasma ◽  
Myelin Associated Glycoprotein ◽  
Quaking Mice ◽  
Periaxonal Space ◽  
Cytoplasmic Side

The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is an integral membrane glycoprotein that is located in the periaxonal membrane of myelin-forming Schwann cells. On the basis of this localization, it has been hypothesized that MAG plays a structural role in (a) forming and maintaining contact between myelinating Schwann cells and the axon (the 12-14-nm periaxonal space) and (b) maintaining the Schwann cell periaxonal cytoplasmic collar of myelinated fibers. To test this hypothesis, we have determined the immunocytochemical localization of MAG in the L4 ventral roots from 11-mo-old quaking mice. These roots display various stages in the association of remyelinating Schwann cells with axons, and abnormalities including loss of the Schwann cell periaxonal cytoplasmic collar and dilation of the periaxonal space of myelinated fibers. Therefore, this mutant provides distinct opportunities to observe the relationships between MAG and (a) the formation of the periaxonal space during remyelination and (b) the maintenance of the periaxonal space and Schwann cell periaxonal cytoplasmic collar in myelinated fibers. During association of remyelinating Schwann cells and axons, MAG was detected in Schwann cell adaxonal membranes that apposed the axolemma by 12-14 nm. Schwann cell plasma membranes separated from the axolemma by distances greater than 12-14 nm did not react with MAG antiserum. MAG was present in adaxonal Schwann cell membranes that apposed the axolemma by 12-14 nm but only partially surrounded the axon and, therefore, may be actively involved in the ensheathment of axons by remyelinating Schwann cells. To test the dual role of MAG in maintaining the periaxonal space and Schwann cell periaxonal cytoplasmic collar of myelinated fibers, we determined the immunocytochemical localization of MAG in myelinated quaking fibers that displayed pathological alterations of these structures. Where Schwann cell periaxonal membranes were not stained by MAG antiserum, the cytoplasmic side of the periaxonal membrane was "fused" with the cytoplasmic side of the inner compact myelin lamella and formed a major dense line. This loss of MAG and the Schwann cell periaxonal cytoplasmic collar usually resulted in enlargement of the 12-14-nm periaxonal space and ruffling of the apposing axolemma. In myelinated fibers, there was a strict correlation between the presence of MAG in the Schwann cell periaxonal membrane and (a) maintenance of the 12-14-nm periaxonal space, and (b) presence of the Schwann cell periaxonal cytoplasmic collar.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

scholarly journals Myelin-associated glycoprotein and myelinating Schwann cell-axon interaction in chronic B,B'-iminodipropionitrile neuropathy.

1984 ◽  
Vol 98 (4) ◽  
pp. 1272-1278 ◽  
Author(s):  
B D Trapp ◽  
R H Quarles ◽  
J W Griffin
Keyword(s):  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Central Zone ◽  
Minor Component ◽  
Outer Zone ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Myelinated Fibers ◽  
Pns Myelin ◽  
Myelin Associated Glycoprotein ◽  
Myelinating Schwann Cell ◽  
Periaxonal Space

The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is a heavily glycosylated integral membrane glycoprotein which is a minor component of isolated rat peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelin. Immunocytochemically MAG has been localized in the periaxonal region of PNS myelin sheaths. The periaxonal localization and biochemical features of MAG are consistent with the hypothesis that MAG plays a role in maintaining the periaxonal space of myelinated fibers. To test this hypothesis, MAG was localized immunocytochemically in 1-micron sections of the L5 ventral root from rats exposed to B,B'-iminodipropionitrile. In chronic states of B,B'-iminodipropionitrile intoxication, Schwann cell periaxonal membranes and the axolemma invaginate into giant axonal swellings and separate a central zone of normally oriented axoplasm from an outer zone of maloriented neurofilaments. Ultrastructurally, the width of the periaxonal space (12-14 nm) in the ingrowths is identical to that found in normally myelinated fibers. These Schwann cell ingrowths which are separated from compact myelin by several micra are stained intensely by MAG antiserum. Antiserum directed against Po protein, the major structural protein of compact PNS myelin, does not stain the ingrowths unless compact myelin is present. These results demonstrate the periaxonal localization of MAG and support a functional role for MAG in maintaining the periaxonal space of PNS myelinated fibers.

scholarly journals Presence of the myelin-associated glycoprotein correlates with alterations in the periodicity of peripheral myelin.

1982 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 877-882 ◽  
Author(s):  
B D Trapp ◽  
R H Quarles
Keyword(s):  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Peripheral Nerves ◽  
Minor Component ◽  
Integral Membrane Protein ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
Pns Myelin ◽  
Myelin Associated Glycoprotein ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Periaxonal Space

The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is an integral membrane protein (congruent to 100,000 mol wt) which is a minor component of purified peripheral nervus system (PNS) myelin. In the present study, MAG was localized immunocytochemically in 1-micrometer thick Epon sections of 7-d and adult rat peripheral nerves, and its localization was compared to that of the major structural protein (Po) of PNS myelin. To determine more precisely the localization of MAG, immunostained areas in 1 micrometer sections were traced on electron micrographs of identical areas from adjacently cut thin sections.l MAG was localized in periaxonal membranes. Schmidt-Lantermann incisures, paranodal membranes, and the outer mesaxon of PNS myelin sheaths. Compact regions of PNS myelin did not react with MAG antiserum. The results demonstrate MAG's presence in "'semi-compact" Schwann cell or myelin membranes that have a gap of 12-14 nm between extracellular leaflets and a spacing of 5 nm or more between cytoplasmic leaflets. In compact regions of the myelin sheath which do not contain MAG, the cytoplasmic leaflets are "fused" and form the major dense line, whereas the extracellular leaflets are separated by a 2.0 nm gap appearing as paired minor dense lines. Thus, it is proposed that MAG plays a role in maintaining the periaxonal space, Schmidt-Lantermann incisures, paranodal myelin loops, and outer mesaxon by preventing "complete" compaction of Schwann cell and myelin membranes. The presence of MAG in these locations also suggests that MAG may serve a function in regulating myelination in the PNS.

scholarly journals ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PLASMA MEMBRANE FRACTIONS FROM GARFISH LEPISOSTEUS OSSEUS OLFACTORY NERVE

1974 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 831-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
George K. Chacko ◽  
David E. Goldman ◽  
Harish C. Malhotra ◽  
Maynard M. Dewey
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Olfactory Nerve ◽  
Membrane Thickness ◽  
Axonal Membrane ◽  
Isolation And Characterization ◽  
Cell Plasma ◽  
Fraction I

Garfish Lepisosteus osseus olfactory nerve, because of its large size and the unusually high concentration of axonal membrane, is an excellent source of axonal membrane. A procedure is described for the isolation of two types of plasma membranes from the nerve which are obtained in yields of about 20 mg (fraction I) and 1.5 mg (fraction II) per g of wet nerve. Both membrane fractions consist mostly of rounded membrane vesicles, with a unit membrane thickness of ∼7.5 nm. The two membrane fractions are different in their lipid to protein ratios, Na-K ATPase activities, polypeptide patterns on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gel electrophoresis, and fatty acid compositions. They have similar phospholipid composition. On the basis of the relative concentration of axonal and Schwann cell plasma membranes in the nerve, the Na-K ATPase activities of the two membrane fractions and a comparison of the properties of the membrane fractions to those of squid and lobster nerve membrane preparations, fraction I seems to be the axonal membrane and fraction II the Schwann cell plasma membrane. Fraction I has a low protein to lipid ratio. Its polypeptide pattern on SDS gel appears to be much more complex as compared to that of fraction II membrane.

scholarly journals Distribution of the myelin-associated glycoprotein and P0 protein during myelin compaction in quaking mouse peripheral nerve.

1988 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 675-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
B D Trapp
Keyword(s):  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Peripheral Nerve ◽  
Mouse Mutant ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Major Structural Protein ◽  
Ultrastructural Studies ◽  
P0 Protein ◽  
Myelin Associated Glycoprotein ◽  
Ventral Roots ◽  
Quaking Mice

Ultrastructural studies have shown that during early stages of Schwann cell myelination mesaxon membranes are converted to compact myelin lamellae. The distinct changes that occur in the spacing of these Schwann cell membranes are likely to be mediated by the redistribution of (a) the myelin-associated glycoprotein, a major structural protein of mesaxon membranes; and (b) P0 protein, the major structural protein of compact myelin. To test this hypothesis, the immunocytochemical distribution of these two proteins was determined in serial 1-micron-thick Epon sections of ventral roots from quaking mice and compared to the ultrastructure of identical areas in an adjacent thin section. Ventral roots of this hypomyelinating mouse mutant were studied because many fibers have a deficit in converting mesaxon membranes to compact myelin. The results indicated that conversion of mesaxon membranes to compact myelin involves the insertion of P0 protein into and the removal of the myelin-associated glycoprotein from mesaxon membranes. The failure of some quaking mouse Schwann cells to form compact myelin appears to result from an inability to remove the myelin-associated glycoprotein from their mesaxon membranes.

The Fine Structure and Morphological Organization of the Peripheral Nerve-fibres and Trunks of the Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)

1958 ◽  
Vol s3-99 (47) ◽  
pp. 333-340
Author(s):  
ARTHUR HESS
Keyword(s):  
Cell Membrane ◽  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Peripheral Nerve ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Myelin Sheath ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Periplaneta Americana ◽  
Nerve Trunk ◽  
Bromphenol Blue ◽  
Nerve Fibres

Sections of the peripheral nerve-trunks of the metathoracic leg of the cockroach (Periplaneta americana) were studied with the electron microscope. Paraffin sections were also prepared and stained. Protargol succeeds in staining the nerve-fibres. Osmium tetroxide, a modified Weigert procedure, and Luxol fast blue stain the myelin sheaths, as does mercuric bromphenol blue, a protein stain. The axoplasm is relatively free of formed elements; it contains mitochondria. The myelin sheath, when present on the largest and also some smaller fibres, consists of about two or three loose over lapping processes of Schwann cells, covered by their plasma membranes, enclosing lipid-like droplets and having a beaded appearance. Between the nerve-fibres in the nerve-trunk is Schwann-cell cytoplasm, which arises from Schwann cells that surround the whole nerve-trunk. The same fold of Schwann-cell membrane may enter into the formation of the myelin sheath around more than one nerve-fibre. Several small non-myelinated fibres, which may be as small as 0.3 µ in diameter or less, may be enclosed in the same fold of Schwann-cell membrane. Outside of the Schwann-cell layer and surrounding the nerve-trunk is a thin layer of connective tissue, which does not send trabeculae into the interior of the nerve. Tracheae and tracheoles accompany the nerve but are not included within the sheaths surrounding a nerve-trunk, even near the termination of the nerve-fibres in muscle. The structure of the cockroach peripheral nerve is compared with that described by previous investigators, with that of other insects, and with invertebrate and vertebrate nerve.

Evidence for Regulation of Myelin Protein Synthesis by Contact between Adjacent Schwann Cell Plasma Membranes

1999 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 417-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naokazu Sasagasako ◽  
Masaharu Ohno ◽  
Richard H. Quarles
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Myelin Protein ◽  
Cell Plasma

Expressing antisense P0 RNA in Schwann cells perturbs myelination

Development ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 112 (2) ◽  
pp. 639-649
Author(s):  
G.C. Owens ◽  
C.J. Boyd
Keyword(s):  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons ◽  
Beta Actin ◽  
Actin Promoter ◽  
Dominant Selectable Marker ◽  
Myelin Associated Glycoprotein ◽  
Ganglion Neurons ◽  
Schwann Cell Differentiation

Primary Schwann cells were infected in vitro with a recombinant retrovirus expressing a dominant selectable marker, neomycin phosphotransferase (conferring resistance to the drug G418), and antisense P0 RNA under the control of the human beta-actin promoter. A proportion of the G418-resistant cells failed to form myelin when cocultured with dorsal root ganglion neurons under conditions that promote Schwann cell differentiation. These cells expressed high levels of P0 antisense RNA. Among the impaired cells, the majority had segregated and ensheathed individual axon but had not differentiated further. They did not express P0 but did express myelin- associated glycoprotein and galactocerebroside. A minority of partially inhibited Schwann cells were also observed that elaborated thin myelin sheaths containing variable numbers of compacted and noncompacted lamellae. These data indicate that restricting the level of P0 expression inhibits spiralling of the Schwann cell membrane and subsequent compaction.

scholarly journals Axonal regulation of Schwann cell integrin expression suggests a role for alpha 6 beta 4 in myelination.

1993 ◽  
Vol 123 (5) ◽  
pp. 1223-1236 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Einheber ◽  
T A Milner ◽  
F Giancotti ◽  
J L Salzer
Keyword(s):  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Basal Lamina ◽  
Cell Contact ◽  
Myelin Associated Glycoprotein ◽  
Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons ◽  
Outer Plasma Membrane

Ensheathment and myelination of axons by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system requires contact with a basal lamina. The molecular mechanism(s) by which the basal lamina promotes myelination is not known but is likely to reflect the activity of integrins expressed by Schwann cells. To initiate studies on the role of integrins during myelination, we characterized the expression of two integrin subunits, beta 1 and beta 4, in an in vitro myelination system and compared their expression to that of the glial adhesion molecule, the myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG). In the absence of neurons, Schwann cells express significant levels of beta 1 but virtually no beta 4 or MAG. When Schwann cells are cocultured with dorsal root ganglia neurons under conditions promoting myelination, expression of beta 4 and MAG increased dramatically in myelinating cells, whereas beta 1 levels remained essentially unchanged. (In general agreement with these findings, during peripheral nerve development in vivo, beta 4 levels also increase during the period of myelination in sharp contrast to beta 1 levels which show a striking decrease.) In cocultures of neurons and Schwann cells, beta 4 and MAG appear to colocalize in nascent myelin sheaths but have distinct distributions in mature sheaths, with beta 4 concentrated in the outer plasma membrane of the Schwann cell and MAG localized to the inner (periaxonal) membrane. Surprisingly, beta 4 is also present at high levels with MAG in Schmidt-Lanterman incisures. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that primary Schwann cells express beta 1 in association with the alpha 1 and alpha 6 subunits, while myelinating Schwann cells express alpha 6 beta 4 and possibly alpha 1 beta 1. beta 4 is also downregulated during Wallerian degeneration in vitro, indicating that its expression requires continuous Schwann cell contact with the axon. These results indicate that axonal contact induces the expression of beta 4 during Schwann cell myelination and suggest that alpha 6 beta 4 is an important mediator of the interactions of myelinating Schwann cells with the basal lamina.

scholarly journals Schwann Cell Myelination Requires Timely and Precise Targeting of P0 Protein

2000 ◽  
Vol 148 (5) ◽  
pp. 1009-1020 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Yin ◽  
G.J. Kidd ◽  
L. Wrabetz ◽  
M.L. Feltri ◽  
A. Messing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Major Structural Protein ◽  
Adult Mice ◽  
Pns Myelin ◽  
P0 Protein ◽  
Dynamic Membranes ◽  
Myelin Associated Glycoprotein ◽  
Homophilic Adhesion

This report investigated mechanisms responsible for failed Schwann cell myelination in mice that overexpress P0 (P0tg), the major structural protein of PNS myelin. Quantitative ultrastructural immunocytochemistry established that P0 protein was mistargeted to abaxonal, periaxonal, and mesaxon membranes in P0tg Schwann cells with arrested myelination. The extracellular leaflets of P0-containing mesaxon membranes were closely apposed with periodicities of compact myelin. The myelin-associated glycoprotein was appropriately sorted in the Golgi apparatus and targeted to periaxonal membranes. In adult mice, occasional Schwann cells myelinated axons possibly with the aid of endocytic removal of mistargeted P0. These results indicate that P0 gene multiplication causes P0 mistargeting to mesaxon membranes, and through obligate P0 homophilic adhesion, renders these dynamic membranes inert and halts myelination.

Human Neurofibromas in Co-Culture with Mouse Neurons

1982 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 194-195
Author(s):  
R.L. Martuza ◽  
T. Liszczak ◽  
A. Okun ◽  
T-Y Wang
Keyword(s):  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Sympathetic Nerves ◽  
Acoustic Neuromas ◽  
Spinal Roots ◽  
Neural Crest Origin ◽  
Multiple Abnormalities ◽  
Other Neoplasms

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with a prevalence of 1/3,000 births. The NF mutation causes multiple abnormalities of various cells of neural crest origin. Schwann cell tumors (neurofibromas, acoustic neuromas) are the most common feature of neurofibromatosis although meningiomas, gliomas, and other neoplasms may be seen. The schwann cell tumors commonly develop from the schwann cells associated with sensory or sympathetic nerves or their ganglia. Schwann cell tumors on ventral spinal roots or motor cranial nerves are much less common. Since the sensory neuron membrane is known to contain a mitogenic factor for schwann cells, we have postulated that neurofibromatosis may be due to an abnormal interaction between the nerve and the schwann cell and that this interaction may be hormonally modulated. To test this possibility a system has been developed in which an enriched schwannoma cell culture can be obtained and co-cultured with pure neurons.

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