Accumulation of macrophage-like cells expressing NG2 proteoglycan and Iba1 in ischemic core of rat brain after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion

Roles of NG2 glial cells in diseases of the central nervous system

NG2 cells are a novel distinct class of central nervous system (CNS) glial cells, characterized by the expression of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan NG2. They have been detected in a variety of human CNS diseases. As morphological, physiological and biomolecular studies of NG2 cells have been conducted, their roles have been gradually revealed. Research on cellular and molecular mechanisms in the pathophysiological state was built on the preliminary findings of their physiological functions; and in turn, this helps to clarify their physiological roles and leads to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. This review summarizes recent findings regarding the potential roles of NG2 cells in traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, glioma, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease and electroconvulsive therapy for depression.

Induction of angiopoietin-2 after spinal cord injury

Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) have opposing effects on blood vessels, with Ang-2 being mainly induced during the endothelial barrier breakdown. It is known that spinal cord injury (SCI) induces lasting decreases in Ang-1 levels, underlying endothelial barrier disruption, but the expression of Ang-2 in spinal cord injury has not been studied. We characterized Ang-2 after SCI using a clinically relevant rat model of contusion SCI. We found that SCI induces marked and persistent upregulation of Ang-2 (up to 10 weeks after SCI), which does not reflect well-characterized temporal profile of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) breakdown after SCI, and thus suggests other role(s) for Ang-2 in injured spinal cords. Furthermore, we also found that higher Ang-2 levels were associated with more successful locomotor recovery after SCI, both in SCI rats with markedly better spontaneous motor recovery and in SCI rats receiving a neuroprotective pharmacological intervention (amiloride), suggesting a beneficial role for Ang-2 in injured spinal cords. Immunocytochemical analyses revealed that Ang-2 was not induced in endothelial cells, but in perivascular and non-vascular cells labeled with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) or with chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (NG2). Therefore, it is unlikely that induction of Ang-2 contributes to vascular dysfunction underlying functional impairment after SCI, but rather that it contributes to the beneficial pro-angiogenic and/or gliogenic processes underlying recovery processes after SCI.

Stimulation of adult oligodendrogenesis by myelin-specific T cells

In multiple sclerosis (MS), myelin-specific T cells are normally associated with destruction of myelin and axonal damage. However, in acute MS plaque, remyelination occurs concurrent with T-cell infiltration, which raises the question of whether T cells might stimulate myelin repair. We investigated the effect of myelin-specific T cells on oligodendrocyte formation at sites of axonal damage in the mouse hippocampal dentate gyrus. Infiltrating T cells specific for myelin proteolipid protein stimulated proliferation of chondroitin sulfate NG2-expressing oligodendrocyte precursor cells early after induction via axonal transection, resulting in a 25% increase in the numbers of oligodendrocytes. In contrast, T cells specific for ovalbumin did not stimulate the formation of new oligodendrocytes. In addition, infiltration of myelin-specific T cells enhanced the sprouting response of calretinergic associational/commissural fibers within the dentate gyrus. These results have implications for the perception of MS pathogenesis because they show that infiltrating myelin-specific T cells can stimulate oligodendrogenesis in the adult central nervous system.

In situ dividing and phagocytosing retinal microglia express nestin, vimentin, and NG2 in vivo

Background

Following injury, microglia become activated with subsets expressing nestin as well as other neural markers. Moreover, cerebral microglia can give rise to neurons in vitro. In a previous study, we analysed the proliferation potential and nestin re-expression of retinal macroglial cells such as astrocytes and Müller cells after optic nerve (ON) lesion. However, we were unable to identify the majority of proliferative nestin⁺ cells. Thus, the present study evaluates expression of nestin and other neural markers in quiescent and proliferating microglia in naïve retina and following ON transection in adult rats in vivo.

Methodology/Principal Findings

For analysis of cell proliferation and cells fates, rats received BrdU injections. Microglia in retinal sections or isolated cells were characterized using immunofluorescence labeling with markers for microglia (e.g., Iba1, CD11b), cell proliferation, and neural cells (e.g., nestin, vimentin, NG2, GFAP, Doublecortin etc.). Cellular analyses were performed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the naïve adult rat retina, about 60% of resting ramified microglia expressed nestin. After ON transection, numbers of nestin⁺ microglia peaked to a maximum at 7 days, primarily due to in situ cell proliferation of exclusively nestin⁺ microglia. After 8 weeks, microglia numbers re-attained control levels, but 20% were still BrdU⁺ and nestin⁺, although no further local cell proliferation occurred. In addition, nestin⁺ microglia co-expressed vimentin and NG2, but not GFAP or neuronal markers. Fourteen days after injury and following retrograde labeling of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with Fluorogold (FG), nestin⁺NG2⁺ microglia were positive for the dye indicating an active involvement of a proliferating cell population in phagocytosing apoptotic retinal neurons.

Conclusions/Significance

The current study provides evidence that in adult rat retina, a specific resident population of microglia expresses proteins of immature neural cells that are involved in injury-induced cell proliferation and phagocytosis while transdifferentiation was not observed.

NG2 expressed by macrophages and oligodendrocyte precursor cells is dispensable in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Increased expression of the chondroitin proteoglycan NG2 is a prominent feature in central nervous system injury with unknown cellular source and biological relevance. Here, we describe the first detailed analysis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in NG2 knockout mice and NG2 knockout bone marrow chimeras. We show that both macrophages and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells express and secrete NG2 in response to transforming growth factor-β. A subpopulation of macrophages expresses NG2 within leucocyte infiltrates in the central nervous system, but only oligodendrocyte progenitor cells contribute to NG2 accumulation. Notably, NG2 plays no role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis initiation, progression or recuperation. In concurrence, the immune response is unaltered in NG2-deficient mice as are the extent of central nervous system damage and degree of remyelination.

Subcutaneous injection containing IL-3 and GM-CSF ameliorates stab wound-induced brain injury in rats

Macrophage-like cells densely accumulate in stab wound-induced brain lesions in rats. Many of these cells express the macrophage marker Iba1 and the oligodendrocyte progenitor cell marker NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (NG2), and have been termed BINCs (brain Iba1(+)/NG2(+) cells). Results from our previous study showed that BINCs elicit neuroprotective action, and agents inducing BINC activation or proliferation are expected to ameliorate traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). In the present study, TBI was established by inserting a needle into the cerebrum and moving the needle in a longitudinal, fan-like movement. Isolated BINCs from these stab lesions expressed mRNAs encoding receptors for interleukin-3 (IL-3) and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). When this mixture of cytokines was added to the cultured BINCs, expression of mRNAs encoding insulin-like growth factor-1, hepatocyte growth factor, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen increased. The cytokine mixture induced enhanced wound healing in BINCs-brain cell co-cultures in vitro. Stab wounds in the rats resulted in significant brain tissue loss at 2 months post-lesion. However, tissue loss was reduced by 40% when the combination of IL-3 and GM-CSF was subcutaneously injected 7 times (once per day) beginning at 2 or 3 days post-lesion (dpl). BINCs are highly proliferative and an intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) at 2 dpl eliminated the BINCs, resulting in death of the rats. The cytokine mixture injection significantly reduced mortality of the 5FU-treated rats. These results suggest that the combination of IL-3 and GM-CSF serves as a promising agent to ameliorate TBI via action on BINCs.

Effect of focal cerebral ischaemia on modulatory neurotransmitter receptors in the rat brain: an autoradiographic study

Neurotransmission is strongly affected after ischaemic insult. It is postulated that modulatory neurotransmitter systems and their receptors play a role in experience-dependent and restoration plasticity. In this study, muscarinic cholinergic, serotonergic 5-HT(2A/2C), dopaminergic D(1) and noradrenergic beta(1) receptors were examined after focal cerebral ischaemia in different brain regions, using quantitative in vitro autoradiography. There were six evaluated time points: 4h, 1, 4, 7, 28 and 60 days after the insult. Rats received unilateral ischaemic lesions through photo-thrombosis in the primary somatosensory cortex. In the lesion core, 5-HT(2A/2C), D(1) and beta(1) receptor binding values return to control levels 28 days after displaying initial decreases, while muscarinic binding remains very low, at 30% of controls. From 4h to 60 days post-stroke no changes are observed in the perilesional tissue. In contrast, in remote brain regions, a bilateral increase of serotonergic 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor binding in the somatosensory cortex at the striatum level is observed after 4h and after 7 days post-stroke. In addition, a bilateral decrease of muscarinic cholinergic receptor binding in the hippocampus is observed at each time point examined. This study points to a complex and remote reaction of modulatory systems in response to ischaemic lesions.

Oligodendrocyte degeneration and recovery after focal cerebral ischemia

The vulnerability of oligodendrocytes to ischemic injury may contribute to functional loss in diseases of central white matter. Immunocytochemical methods to identify oligodendrocyte injury in experimental models rely on epitope availability, and fail to discriminate structural changes in oligodendrocyte morphology. We previously described the use of a lentiviral vector (LV) carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the myelin basic protein (MBP) promoter for selective visualization of oligodendrocyte cell bodies and processes. In this study, we used LV-MBP-eGFP to label oligodendrocytes in rat cerebral white matter prior to transient focal cerebral ischemia, and examined oligodendrocyte injury 24 h, 48 h and 1 week post-reperfusion by quantifying cell survival and assaying the integrity of myelin processes. There was progressive loss of GFP+ oligodendrocytes in ischemic white matter at 24 and 48 h. Surviving GFP+ cells had non-pyknotic nuclear morphology and were terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-negative, but there was marked fragmentation of myelin processes as early as 24 h after stroke. One week after stroke, we observed a restoration of GFP+ oligodendrocytes in ischemic white matter, reflected both by cell counts and by structural integrity of myelin processes. Proliferating cells were not the main source of GFP+ oligodendrocytes, as revealed by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. These observations identify novel transient structural changes in oligodendrocyte cell bodies and myelinating processes, which may have consequences for white matter function after stroke.

Iba1(+)/NG2(+) macrophage-like cells expressing a variety of neuroprotective factors ameliorate ischemic damage of the brain

In a transient 90-min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of rats, a large ischemic lesion is formed where macrophage-like cells massively accumulate, many of which express a macrophage marker, Iba1, and an oligodendrocyte progenitor cell marker, NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (NG2); therefore, the cells were termed BINCs (Brain Iba1(+)/NG2(+) Cells). A bone marrow transplantation experiment using green-fluorescent protein-transgenic rats showed that BINCs were derived from bone marrow. 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) injection at 2 days post reperfusion (2 dpr) markedly reduced the number of BINCs at 7 dpr, causing enlargement of necrotic volumes and frequent death of the rats. When isolated BINCs were transplanted into 5FU-aggravated ischemic lesion, the volume of the lesion was much reduced. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed that BINCs expressed mRNAs encoding bFGF, BMP2, BMP4, BMP7, GDNF, HGF, IGF-1, PDGF-A, and VEGF. In particular, BINCs expressed IGF-1 mRNA at a very high level. Immunohistochemical staining showed that IGF-1-expressing BINCs were found not only in rat but also human ischemic brain lesions. These results suggest that bone marrow-derived BINCs play a beneficial role in ischemic brain lesions, at least in part, through secretion of neuroprotective factors.

Induced NG2 expressing microglia in the facial motor nucleus after facial nerve axotomy

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (NG2) expressing cells, ubiquitously distributed in the CNS respond to injured or diseased neurons; however, their behaviors toward injured neurons have remained to be fully explored. In the present study, along with astrocytic and microglial responses, NG2 expressing cells reacted swiftly and robustly in the facial motor nucleus (FMN) subjected to axotomy. With time, hypertrophic NG2 expressing cells gradually adhered to and enwrapped the axotomized motoneurons. Tight encapsulations around axotomized motoneurons were eventually formed at 7, 14, and 28 days after axotomy. NG2 positive processes appeared to interpose between synapsin-1 immunoreactive nerve terminals and surfaces of axotomized motoneurons. Double labeling results showed that NG2 expressing cells encapsulating axotomized facial motoneurons were mainly microglia marked by OX42 and lectin; only a few of them were positive to platelet-derived growth factor-alpha receptor and none of them positive to ED-1. No Rhodamine particle was detected in the FMN ipsilateral to axotomy after venous injection of the particles. The results suggest that activated microglia in lesioned FMN were induced to express NG2 molecules. It is concluded that axotomized FMN showed two types of NG2 expressing cells namely constitutive NG2 cells and induced-NG2 expressing microglia.

Down-regulation of microglia and NG2-positive cells reaction in trimethyltin-injured hippocampus of rats treated with myelin basic protein-reactive T cells: possible contribution to the neuroprotective effect of T cells

In our previous investigations, we demonstrated that CD4(+) antimyelin basic protein (MBP) T cells protect hippocampal neurons against trimethyltin-induced damage. We hypothesized involvement of T cells, interacting with the various glial populations activated during the neurodegeneration process. In this study, we employ immunocytochemical methods to investigate the influence of administration of T cells on the response of microglia and of NG2(+) cells to trimethyltin (TMT)-induced damage. Female Lewis rats were treated with anti-MBP CD4(+) T cells (4 million per animal, i.v) 24 hr after TMT (8 mg/kg, i.p) intoxication. TMT caused degeneration of CA4 hipppocampal neurons and evoked an abundant reaction of microglial and NG2(+) cells in the injured region. The cells changed morphology into the activated state, and the number of OX42(+) and NG2(+) cells increased about 4.5-fold and 3-fold, respectively, relative to controls as assessed on day 21 after TMT treatment. Additionally, the cells of ameboid morphology, which expressed NG2 or microglial antigens, appeared in the zone of neurodegeneration. Furthermore, certain cells of ameboid phenotype shared both antigens. In rats treated with T cells, down-regulation of the activation of both glial classes and reduction of formation of their ameboid forms was observed. The number of the total OX42(+) and NG2(+) cells decreased by 21% and 54%, respectively, and the number of their ameboid forms decreased by 46% and 73%, respectively. Our data suggest that the diminished activation of microglia and NG2(+) cells, particularly the reduced number of their ameboid forms, may contribute to the neuroprotective effect of T cells.

Characteristics and functions of NG2 cells in normal brain and neuropathology

OBJECTIVE

This review is focused on the current understanding of the roles of the fifth class of non-neuronal cells, NG2 cells, in the central nervous system (CNS).

METHODS

We have reviewed some literature on properties of NG2 cells, including cell morphology, expression of receptors and possible functions.

RESULTS

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (NG2) is expressed in a high proportion in non-neuronal cells of the CNS. During development, NG2 cells can differentiate into oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and neurons. In the adult, the NG2 cells have a common morphology: multibranched processes and small cell bodies, and are ubiquitously distributed throughout brain parenchyma. They possess some functional receptors and contact neurons at nodes of Ranvier or via synaptic terminals. Some NG2 cells can even fire action potential. Various brain injury models have demonstrated that NG2 cells adjacent to the damage site could increase in number and become hypertrophic. However, there is no clear evidence indicating the function of NG2 cells in the adult brain.

DISCUSSION

The function of NG2 cells in the adult brain is still uncertain. The NG2 expressing cells may be progenitor cells in the developing brain. In the adult, the discovery of functional receptors, interactions with neurons and ability to respond to different harmful stimulations have implied roles of NG2 cells in facilitating neuronal network function, which may be important in brain inflammation, neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration.

Acute heart inflammation: ultrastructural and functional aspects of macrophages elicited by Trypanosoma cruzi infection

The heart is the main target organ of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas' disease, a significant public health issue and still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Latin America. During the acute disease, tissue damage in the heart is related to the intense myocardium parasitism. To control parasite multiplication, cells of the monocytic lineage are highly mobilized. In response to inflammatory and immune stimulation, an intense migration and extravasation of monocytes occurs from the bloodstream into heart. Monocyte differentiation leads to the formation of tissue phagocytosing macrophages, which are strongly activated and direct host defence. Newly elicited monocyte-derived macrophages both undergo profound physiological changes and display morphological heterogeneity that greatly differs from originally non-inflammatory macrophages, and underlie their functional activities as potent inflammatory cells. Thus, activated macrophages play a critical role in the outcome of parasite infection. This review covers functional and ultrastructural aspects of heart inflammatory macrophages triggered by the acute Chagas' disease, including recent discoveries on morphologically distinct, inflammation-related organelles, termed lipid bodies, which are actively formed in vivo within macrophages in response to T. cruzi infection. These findings are defining a broader role for lipid bodies as key markers of macrophage activation during innate immune responses to infectious diseases and attractive targets for novel anti-inflammatory therapies. Modulation of macrophage activation may be central in providing therapeutic benefits for Chagas' disease control.