Anin vivo method to prepare normal Schwann cells free of axons and myelin

The case for a central nervous system (CNS) origin for the Schwann cells that remyelinate CNS axons following concurrent loss of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes

In certain experimental and naturally occurring pathological situations in the central nervous system (CNS), demyelinated axons are remyelinated by Schwann cells. It has always been assumed that these Schwann cells are derived from Schwann cells associated with peripheral nerves. However, it has become apparent that CNS precursors can give rise to Schwann cells in vitro and following transplantation into astrocyte-free areas of demyelination in vivo. This paper compares the behaviour of remyelinating Schwann cells following transplantation of peripheral nerve derived Schwann cells over, and into, astrocyte-depleted areas of demyelination to that which follows transplantation of CNS cells and that seen in normally remyelinating ethidium bromide induced demyelinating lesions. It concludes that while the examination of normally remyelinating lesions can not resolve the origin of the remyelinating Schwann cells, the results from transplantation studies provide strong evidence that the Schwann cells that remyelinate CNS axons are most likely generated from CNS precursors. In addition these studies also indicate that the precursors that give rise to these Schwann cells are the same cells that give rise to remyelinating oligodendrocytes.

Effect of liposome-mediated macrophage depletion on Schwann cell proliferation during Wallerian degeneration

The axolemma is considered a well-established mitogen, responsible for Schwann cell proliferation during Wallerian degeneration in the peripheral nerve. However, very little is known about the role of macrophages in Schwann cell proliferation. To test the possible influence of macrophages on Schwann cell proliferation during Wallerian degeneration, macrophages were depleted by dichloromethylene diphosphonate (CI2MDP)-containing liposomes in two-month old C57BL/6J mice. CI2MDP-containing liposomes were injected into the mice intravenously prior to inducing Wallerian degeneration. The injection was repeated every other day to maintain macrophage depletion. Physiologic saline was injected into the control mice. To assess macrophage depletion in vitro, cells were isolated from sciatic nerves at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days post-transection (DPT) and Mac-1 positive cells attached to coverslips were counted. In an in vivo study, Mac-1 positive cells were counted on sciatic nerve sections at the same time points. Throughout the course, the number of Mac-1 positive cells in macrophage-depleted mice was less than that in the control mice both in vivo and in vitro. Schwann cell proliferation was assessed by an in vitro system that reflects in vivo status at the time of cell isolation. Schwann cells were isolated from sciatic nerves at the same time points and proliferation rate was measured by thymidine autoradiography. The proliferation rate was mildly suppressed in macrophage-depleted mice, especially for the initial 3 DPT; however, the pattern of proliferation was not significantly different from controls. These results suggest that macrophages contribute to Schwann cell proliferation during Wallerian degeneration however, their contribution may be relatively limited.

Activity of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterases and adenylyl cyclase in peripheral nerve after crush and permanent transection injuries

Recent studies demonstrate that cAMP levels are tightly controlled during demyelination and remyelination in Schwann cells as cAMP decreases to 8-10% of normal following both sciatic nerve crush or permanent transection injury and only begins to increase in the crushed nerve after remyelination (Poduslo, J. F., Walikonis, R. S., Domec, M., Berg, C. T., and Holtz-Heppelmann, C. J. (1995) J. Neurochem. 65, 149-159). To investigate the mechanisms responsible for this change in cAMP levels, cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) and adenylyl cyclase activities were determined before and after sciatic nerve injury. Basal cAMP PDE activity in soluble endoneurial homogenates of normal nerve was 34.9 +/- 1.9 pmol/mg of protein/min (chi +/- S.E.; n = 10). This activity increased about 3-fold within 6 days following both injuries. Basal PDE activity remained elevated in the transected nerve, but declined to 70 pmol/mg of protein/min in the crushed nerve at 21 and 35 days following injury. Isozyme-specific inhibitors and stimulators were used to identify the PDE families in the sciatic nerve. The low Km cAMP-specific (PDE4) and the Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated (PDE1) families were found to predominate in assays using endoneurial homogenates. The PDE4 inhibitor rolipram also increased cAMP levels significantly after incubation of endoneurial tissue with various isozyme-specific inhibitors, indicating that PDE4 plays a major role in determining cAMP levels. PDE4 mRNA was localized by in situ hybridization to cells identified as Schwann cells by colabeling of S100, a Schwann cell specific protein. Adenylyl cyclase activity declined following injury, from 3.7 pmol/mg of protein/min in normal nerve to 0.70 pmol/mg/min by 7 days following injury. Both decreased synthesis and increased degradation contribute, therefore, to the reduced levels of cAMP following peripheral nerve injury and are likely critical to the process of Wallerian degeneration.

Schwann cells transplanted into the CNS

A small volume of purified Schwann cells, cultured from early postnatal rat sciatic nerve, was injected into the hippocampus or fimbria of syngeneic adult hosts. The procedure caused minimal structural disturbance at the transplantation site, with close graft-host contact and maximal opportunity for integration. The donor Schwann cells were identified by a combination of light and electron microscopic features (which include characteristic deep and complex infoldings of a well marked nuclear envelope), antigenic profile (especially low affinity nerve growth factor receptor immunoreactivity), uptake of fluorescent latex microspheres and autoradiography of [3H]thymidine-labelled dividing cells. The donor Schwann cells adopted a distinctive elongated form, with a central, ovoid nucleus flanked by processes which were up to 300 microns long, and which ranged from swollen segments with a diameter as large as 12 microns down to thread-like fibres of 1 microns or less with growth cone-like expansions. Transplanted cells migrated from the graft, particularly along blood vessels and could permeate all cytoarchitectonic regions of the adjacent host hippocampal neuropil. Donor Schwann cells also migrated along the longitudinal axis of the fimbria, where they were interspersed in parallel with the interfascicular glial rows and axons. The grafted cells induced a transient but marked host astrocytic hypertrophy, which did not appear to impede the migration of the donor Schwann cells. The transplanted Schwann cells did not form peripheral myelin (as detected by P0 immunoreactivity), and it is not clear whether they survive beyond the period at which we detect them.

Adhesion and proliferation are enhanced in vitro in Schwann cells from nerve undergoing Wallerian degeneration

Proliferation of Schwann cells during nerve degeneration or regeneration is well documented in vivo. We investigated whether the proliferative response of Schwann cells to injury is retained in vitro. Using 5-month-old male C57BL mice, Schwann cells were isolated from sciatic nerves under 3 experimental conditions: (1) uninjured, (2) after permanent nerve-transection, or (3) after nerve-crush, which permits axonal regeneration. Schwann cells rarely attached to polylysine-coated coverslips when isolated from uninjured or 1 day posttransection/crush nerves. The number of adherent cells increased when Schwann cells were isolated 3 days after nerve-transection or -crush. When cells were isolated from transected nerves, cell adhesion reached a peak 2 weeks after the injury and then declined. Maximal attachment of Schwann cells occurred when the cells were isolated 2-4 weeks after nerve-crush. The percentage of Schwann cells with spreading processes corresponded closely with the number of thymidine-labeled cells at 1 day in vitro. The in vitro capacity of cells to spread and incorporate thymidine reached maximal levels at 5 days posttransection/crush. Capacity of cells to spread and incorporate thymidine subsequently decreased with time following transection. However, a biphasic elevation in cell spreading and thymidine incorporation was observed in Schwann cells isolated from crushed nerves. Maximal growth of Schwann cells in vitro occurred at 1-2 weeks posttransection and at 1-4 weeks postcrush. Adhesion and spreading of Schwann cells were promoted by coating coverslips with laminin or fibronectin. Preincubation of Schwann cells with soluble laminin or fibronectin prevented the initial cell attachment induced by the corresponding protein. Our results suggest that Schwann cells from injured nerves possess binding sites for laminin and fibronectin, which are, in part, responsible for the enhanced adhesion of Schwann cells in vitro. This study provides a new method for preparation of Schwann cells from peripheral nerves of adult mice.

P0 mRNA expression in cultures of Schwann cells and neurons that lack basal lamina and myelin

Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system depend on the presence of both axons and basal lamina to achieve a myelinating phenotype. Furthermore, removal of axonal influence results in the cessation of myelination and down-regulation of myelin protein expression by Schwann cells. Here we examine whether both axons and basal lamina are required by Schwann cells for the expression of mRNA encoding the major myelin glycoprotein, P0. Cultures of Schwann cells and neurons obtained from dorsal root ganglia of 15 day embryonic rat pups were grown for up to 20 days in vitro under conditions that either allowed or prohibited basal lamina and myelin formation. These cultures were assayed for the expression of P0 mRNA by using an S1 nuclease-protection assay. After 20 days in vitro, the cultures that did not assemble basal lamina and that were incapable of myelin formation expressed P0 mRNA at a level which was comparable to that seen in identically aged, myelinating cultures. Both the myelinating and nonmyelinating cultures demonstrated an appreciable increase in P0 mRNA when compared to the starting embryonic dorsal root ganglia Schwann cells. The latter had a low, but detectable, level of mRNa for this myelin glycoprotein. The cultures that were devoid of basal lamina and myelin showed a clear increase in P0 mRNA by 11-15 days in culture. This increase in expression depended on the presence of neurons/neurites, since Schwann cells which were grown in neuron-depleted cultures expressed little, if any, P0 mRNA. In contrast to the levels of P0 mRNA, the nonmyelinating cultures had a significantly lower amount of P0 glycoprotein than did the cultures which assemble myelin. This suggests that the nonmyelinating Schwann cells regulate the level of this glycoprotein at the translational and/or the posttranslational level. The data presented here suggest that myelin protein mRNA expression and myelin assembly by Schwann cells are separable events, with the former depending on one or more neuronal/axonal factors.

Biological activity of a new neuronal growth factor from injured peripheral nerve

In response to transection injury, the distal nerve segment produces a soluble neurite promoting factor (SN). In this study, the ability to support neuronal survival and differentiation have been studied. Embryonic rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were plated out on collagen substrates and incubated in medium containing either SN or nerve growth factor (NGF). The number of surviving neurons was counted after 1, 2, 4, 7, and 15 days in vitro. After fixation and staining, the diameter of the surviving neurons was measured. During the period of observation, 60.8 +/- 5.8% of plated neurons survived in the presence of NGF and 90.5 +/- 12.9% survived with SN (P less than 0.05). The mean of median neuronal cell diameter was 28 +/- 2.7 microns with NGF and 34.2 +/- 3.7 microns with SN, (P less than 0.01). This increased diameter was due to enhanced survival of 30-50 microns diameter neurons. In parallel experiments, the degree of myelination of DRG neurons by Schwann cells was assessed morphometrically. In the presence of SN there was an 86% increased in myelination compared with NGF which indicates that not only is the survival of neurons increased but they are able to become fully differentiated in the presence of SN.

Metabolism of peripheral nerve monogalactosylceramides

The metabolism of hydroxy galactocerebrosides (GalCe-OH) and nonhydroxy galactocerebrosides (GalCe) was investigated during nerve development, degeneration and regeneration by endoneurial injection of [14C]acetate and by in vitro incubation of rat sciatic endoneurium with [14C]acetate, [3H]galactose or [3H]glucose. After endoneurial microinjection, [14C]acetate was found to be incorporated first into GalCe-OH and later, and to a much lesser degree, into GalCe. The ratio of 14C-labeled GalCe-OH to GalCe decreased with time and remained fairly constant after 4 hr. On the other hand, in vitro incorporation of [14C]acetate resulted in higher 14C-labeling in GalCe and monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) and lower 14C-labeling in GalCe-OH, diminishing with incubation time. After 24 hr, only GalCe and MGDG were labeled. When [3H]galactose or [3H]glucose, instead of [14C]acetate, were used as precursor in vitro, a similar preference for labeling of GalCe-OH was demonstrated in regenerating nerve. These data suggest that hydroxy fatty acids and hydroxy ceramides are the preferred substrates in peripheral nervous system for the sphingosine acyltransferase and the UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase reactions, respectively. The alpha-hydroxylation system did not appear to be fully functional under in vitro conditions. The biosynthesis of GalCe-OH was greatly enhanced during nerve fiber regeneration and decreased rapidly with increasing age. This suggests that a close interrelation exists between alpha-hydroxylation and peripheral nerve myelination.

The role of potassium channels in Schwann cell proliferation in Wallerian degeneration of explant rabbit sciatic nerves

1. Patch clamp studies of whole-cell ionic currents and biochemical studies of proliferation were carried out on Schwann cells of myelinated axons in explant segments of sciatic nerves of adult rabbit maintained in culture for 0-10 days. 2. Schwann cell proliferation, as assayed by [3H]thymidine incorporation and by electron microscopic autoradiography, showed an increase following nerve explant. Proliferation proceeded in parallel with a gradual hyperpolarization of the resting potential and an increase in K+ currents in Schwann cells of myelinated axons. 3. The relation between K+ channels and proliferation was studied by incubating explant nerves in the presence of various K+ channel blockers. Quinine, TEA and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), which blocked K+ currents in Schwann cells, were found also to block Schwann cell proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion and over similar concentrations. Electron microscopy showed that TEA did not retard myelin and axonal break-down which is thought to be the source of mitogens for Schwann cell proliferation. 4. The relation between resting potential and proliferation was studied by incubating explant nerves in depolarizing culture media. Depolarizing monovalent cations (K+ and Rb+) led to a marked inhibition of Schwann cell proliferation. However, Cs+ and NH4+, which did not depolarize Schwann cells in patch clamp studies, also inhibited proliferation. Gramicidin and veratridine also inhibited proliferation. 5. The results suggest that the expression of K+ channels is functionally important for Schwann cell proliferation in Wallerian degeneration. A possible link between K+ channel and proliferation might be via a hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential which occurs when Schwann cells proliferate.

Post-traumatic endoneurial neovascularization and nerve regeneration: a morphometric study

Neovascularization would be expected to play an important role in regeneration after nerve injury, but its mechanism is poorly understood. Quantitative investigations of endoneurial capillaries and myelinated fibers 5 and 15 mm distal to different types of nerve injury have therefore been performed. This study demonstrated that numbers of endoneurial capillaries were significantly increased at the 5 mm level 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after crush, transection and ischemic lesions, but not following permanent axotomy. Late neovascularization associated with delayed nerve regeneration was found following nerve ischemia. These results suggest that neovascularization following nerve injury is dependent on two variables, the degree of nerve regeneration and the severity of ischemia. Axonal outgrowth appears to be an important determinant of post-traumatic new capillary formation, while nerve ischemia causes both delayed neovascularization and nerve regeneration.

The expression of myelin-associated glycoprotein in regenerating cat sciatic nerve

A model of peripheral nerve regeneration in the cat in which freshly severed proximal axons penetrate a permanently transected distal stump, composed of quiescent Schwann cells has been used to study the pattern of myelin protein expression during myelination associated with axonal regeneration. The expression of the myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and the compact myelin proteins P0 and P1 has been analyzed by immunoassays at sequential distances down the regenerating nerve. In the most proximal regenerating zone of this model, MAG is expressed at a significantly higher level (7.9% of normal) than P0 (2.3% of normal) or P1 (1.7% of normal). In addition, elevated levels of MAG are sustained farther into the distal stump than those of P0 and P1. These results are similar to the pattern of accumulation of myelin proteins seen during normal feline development and indicate that MAG, which is localized in part to the periaxonal Schwann cell membranes, may play an important role in the early events of establishing and maintaining the relationship between Schwann cell and axon. Neither MAG, nor P0, were detected in non-myelinating Schwann cells in the distal stump, although it is possible that they are present at levels below the detection threshold of the assays, which are approximately 0.1% of normal.

Biosynthesis of neutral glucocerebroside homologues in the absence of myelin assembly after nerve transection

The biosynthesis of myelin-associated glycolipids during various stages of myelination was studied by in vitro incorporation of [3H]Gal, [3H]Glc, or [35S]sulfate into the endoneurium of rat sciatic nerve. In the normal adult nerve, where the level of myelin assembly is substantially reduced and Schwann cells are principally involved in maintaining the existing myelin membrane, [3H]Gal was primarily incorporated into monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) and the galactocerebrosides (GalCe) with lower levels of incorporation into the sulfatides. Such incorporation was enhanced 35 days after crush injury of the adult rat sciatic nerve, which is characterized by active myelin assembly. In contrast, at 35 days after permanent nerve transection where there is no axonal regeneration or myelin assembly, the incorporation of [3H]Gal or [3H]Glc into GalCe was nearly undetected whereas the incorporation of [3H]Gal into MGDG was completely inhibited. Instead, the 3H-labeled glycolipids in transected nerve were identified as the glucocerebrosides (GlcCe) and oligohexosylceramide derivatives with tetrahexosylceramide being a major product. In contrast, [35S]sulfate was incorporated into endoneurial sulfatides in the transected nerve, which suggests that endogenous GalCe rather than newly synthesized GalCe served as the substrate for the sulfotransferase reaction. The GlcCe homologues are not considered as constituents of the myelin membrane but are likely plasma membrane components synthesized in the absence of myelin assembly. It is likely that the cells responsible for GlcCe biosynthesis are Schwann cells, since they comprise 90% of the total endoneurial cell area in the distal nerve segment at 35 days after transection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Increased biosynthesis of endoneurial oligohexosylceramides in human peripheral neuropathy

Studying in vitro incorporation of [3H]galactose into biopsied sural endoneurium, we have demonstrated biosynthesis of glucocerebroside and its homologs, lactosylceramide, trihexosylceramide, and tetrahexosylceramide, in normal adult human sural nerve. Such in vitro biosynthesis of oligohexosylceramides is markedly increased in biopsied sural nerve from patients with various types of peripheral neuropathy. Since this altered glycosphingolipid biosynthesis occurs in several diversely caused polyneuropathies, it presumably relates to degenerative or regenerative events characteristic of neuropathy rather than a specific variety of neuropathy.

Gene expression in the presence or absence of myelin assembly

Regulation of myelin protein gene expression in the presence and absence of myelin assembly can be assessed using crushed or permanently transected adult sciatic nerves of rats. The P0 glycoprotein and the myelin basic protein (MBP) are the major myelin-specific proteins of the peripheral nervous system. The steady-state level of P0 and MBP messenger RNA was determined by dot-blot analysis of poly(A)+ RNA from crushed and transected nerves of rats at 35 days post operation. The rat P0-specific cDNA clone, pSN63c, and mouse MBP-specific cDNA clone, pHF43, were used as probes. The level and quality of the poly(A)+ RNA was assessed by in vitro translation and immunoprecipitation of the translation products with anti-chick P0 antibody. Comparison of the steady-state level of P0 and MBP transcripts and the level of anti-P0 immunoprecipitated translation products from RNA extracts of permanently transected, crushed, adult control and 21-day-old control rat nerves indicated that the level of P0 and MBP messages was significantly reduced in the permanently transected model, whereas it was restored to normal in the crushed sciatic nerve 35 days post injury. These results suggest that regulation of P0 and MBP gene expression most likely occurs at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level in the two models of peripheral neuropathies. Northern blot analysis indicated the absence of differential splicing of the message in crushed or transected nerves. The experiments also indicate that these two important gene products required for myelin synthesis and assembly seem to be co-regulated. However, the data do not rule out the possibility that regulation of gene expression may also occur at the level of translation or post-translational processing.

Neuronal growth factors produced by adult peripheral nerve after injury

Dorsal root ganglion neurons from embryonic rats, co-cultured with endoneurial explants from transected, adult rat sciatic nerve, extended neurites in the absence of exogenous nerve growth factor (NGF). The effect was seen with endoneurial explants from normal adult sciatic nerves or from nerves which had been permanently transected up to 51 days prior to explantation. The rate of outgrowth decreased at 5 and 7 days and reached a minimum at 14 days after transection. A second phase of increased neurite-promoting activity appeared in 28-, 35-, 41- and 51-day posttransection tissue. The early phase, but not the late phase, was partially inhibited by antisera to NGF.

Trembler mouse Schwann cells in culture: anomalies in the synthesis of lipids and proteins

We investigated the biochemical and growth properties of Schwann cells from the sciatic nerve of Trembler and unaffected mice in culture. Both Trembler and control cultures showed similar growth rates. The specific activity of 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) and enzymes involved in lipid metabolism of cerebrosides and sulfatides were studied. UDP-galactose: ceramide galactosyltransferase was significantly decreased in Trembler cultures less than 21 days in vitro. No differences were found in the specific activities of cerebroside sulfotransferase, arylsulfatase A or CNP between Trembler and control cultures. Schwann cells from Trembler and control mice were labeled with [35S]methionine and the protein analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Our study revealed few but consistent differences in the protein pattern synthesized by the Trembler Schwann cells.

Changes in some myelin protein markers and in cytoskeletal components during Wallerian degeneration of mouse sciatic nerve

After transection of the mouse sciatic nerve, the sequence of events occurring in the distal degenerating segment was followed by the biochemical changes related to the cytoskeletal components and to the myelin protein markers. The components of the intermediate filaments and of the microtubules undergo early changes. Within 3 days, the neurofilament triplet and the peripherin disappear whereas many peptides bearing the antigenic determinant common to all classes of intermediate filaments accumulate. Several of them persist after 1 month. The tubulin pattern changes from a high level of microheterogeneity--reflecting mostly the axonal contribution--to a lower level displayed by the predominant Schwann cells. A decrease in the amount of the myelin markers is also observed. However, a month after transection, immunoreactive basic protein is still present in the degenerated segment homogenate.

The separation and identification of enolase isozymes of brain and sciatic nerve by high-pressure liquid anion-exchange chromatography

A rapid technique for separating and quantitating the three enolase isozymes present in rodent brain and sciatic nerve was developed using high-pressure liquid anion-exchange chromatography. At pH 7.9, one cationic and two anionic enzyme forms were separated with baseline resolution in an imidazole buffer containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and magnesium. The recovery of enolase activity was 90% or greater for brain and 85% for sciatic nerve. Chromatography of liver and axon-free (degenerated) sciatic nerve allowed the identification of non-neuronal, hybrid, and neuron-specific enolase isozymes. These enzyme forms, respectively, constituted 40%, 29% and 19% of total activity in brain, and 63%, 13% and 4% of total activity in normal sciatic nerve.

Action of acrylamide on selected enzymes of energy metabolism in denervated cat peripheral nerves

The effect of acrylamide on selected glycolytic and citric acid cycle enzymes has been studied in denervated cat sciatic nerves in vitro and in vivo. The enzyme activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), neuron specific enolase (NSE), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), has been examined in saline-perfused, desheathed and denervated peroneal (P) and tibial (T) nerves from cats treated with acrylamide (15 mg/kg/day, s.c.) or vehicle for 15 days. GAPDH activity in denervated P and T nerve stumps was 2.0- and 2.3-fold higher than normal P and T nerve values. GAPDH activity in Schwann cells in denervated P and T nerves of acrylamide-treated cats was markedly reduced (56% and 61% of untreated denervated nerves, respectively). LDH and SDH activities were unaffected by acrylamide and NSE activity was absent in denervated nerve stumps. Acrylamide (0.5 and 20 mM) inhibited GAPDH activity in denervated nerve homogenates by 67% and 29%, respectively. This study demonstrates that acrylamide inhibits GAPDH in Schwann cells. The significance of GAPDH inhibition by acrylamide in denervated nerves and its relation to distal axonopathy has been discussed.

Biochemical studies on 5'-nucleotidase of Schwann cells in degenerated nerve

This report describes the partial characterization of 5'-nucleotidase (5'-AMPase) in Schwann-cell plasmalemmae (PM) prepared from degenerated cat sciatic nerve. 5'-AMPase was enriched 3.7-fold in the PM fraction over that of the crude homogenate preparation. The plant lectin concanavalin-A (Con-A) reduced Schwann cell PM 5'-AMPase activity in a concentration-dependent manner (30-600 micrograms/ml). Plasma membrane 5'-AMPase activity was maximally inhibited to 20% of control values by Con-A (400-600 micrograms/ml), and activity returned to control levels by pretreatment with the hapten sugar alpha-methyl-D-mannoside (50 mM). Equimolar concentrations of UDP and ADP (100 microM) reduced the rate of hydrolysis of labeled AMP to labeled adenosine in PM to 45% and 35% of control, respectively. This is the first study to characterize a Schwann-cell PM enzyme and demonstrates that 5'-AMPase may be used as a Schwann-cell PM marker enzyme.

Regulation of myelination: Schwann cell transition from a myelin-maintaining state to a quiescent state after permanent nerve transection

Permanent nerve transection of the adult rat sciatic nerve forces Schwann cells in the distal nerve segment from a myelin-maintaining to a quiescent state. This transition was followed by serial morphometric evaluation of the percentage fascicular area having myelin (myelin percent of area) in transverse sections of the distal nerve segment and revealed a rapid decline from a normal value of 36.6% to 3.2% by 14 days for the sciatic nerve to less than 1.0% throughout the remaining time course (up to 105 days). No evidence of axonal reentry into the distal nerve segment or new myelin formation was observed at times under 70 days. In some of the distal nerve segments at 70, 90, and 105 days, new myelinated fibers were observed that usually consisted of only a few myelinated fibers at the periphery and in the worst case amounted to 1.6% (myelin percent of area). Radioactive precursor incorporation of [3H]mannose into endoneurial slices at 4 and 7 days after transection revealed two species of the major myelin glycoprotein, P0, with Mr of 28,500 and 27,700. By 14 days after nerve transection, only the 27,700 Mr species remained. Incorporation of [3H]mannose into the 27,700 Mr species increased progressively to 35 days after transection and then began to decline at 70 and 105 days. Alterations in the oligosaccharide structure of this down-regulated myelin glycoprotein accounted for the progressive increase in mannose incorporation. Lectin affinity chromatography of pronase-digested P0 glycopeptides on concanavalin A-Sepharose revealed that the 28,500 Mr species of P0 had the complex-type oligosaccharide as the predominant oligosaccharide structure (92%). In contrast, the high mannose-type oligosaccharide was the predominate structure for the 27,700 Mr form, which increased to 70% of the total radioactivity by 35 days after nerve transection. Since the biosynthesis of the complex-type oligosaccharide chains on glycoproteins involves high mannose-type intermediates, the mechanism of down-regulation in the biosynthesis of this major myelin glycoprotein, therefore, results in a biosynthetic switch from the complex-type oligosaccharide structure as an end product to the predominantly high mannose-type oligosaccharide structure as a biosynthetic intermediate. This biosynthetic switch occurs gradually between 7 and 14 days after nerve transection and likely reflects a decreased rate of processing through the Golgi apparatus. It remains to be determined if the high mannose-type oligosaccharide chain on P0 can undergo additional processing steps in this permanent nerve transection model.

Regulation of myelination: axons not required for the biosynthesis of basal levels of the major myelin glycoprotein by Schwann cells in denervated distal segments of the adult cat sciatic nerve

The adult cat sciatic nerve was examined for Schwann cell biosynthesis of the major myelin glycoprotein (P0) in the distal segments after permanent nerve transection, where there is no axonal regeneration or myelin assembly. Endoneurial slices (intrafascicular tissue) from the distal segment of the desheathed cat sciatic nerves at 10 wk after transection and from normal adult desheathed brachial nerves were incubated with radioactive mannose; [3H]mannose incorporation into P0 was observed by fluorography after sodium dodecyl sulphate-pore gradient electrophoresis (SDS-PGE). Analysis of immune precipitates by SDS-PGE after incubation of an aliquot of an endoneurial fraction with rabbit antichick P0 gamma globulin verified that the [3H]mannose-labeled glycoprotein was P0. The level of incorporation of [3H]mannose into P0 and into other endoneurial glycoproteins in the normal brachial nerve from the adult cat was at substantially reduced levels compared with the transected nerve. Such incorporation was detectable by fluorography only after prolonged exposure to X-ray film (15 days). As a result, the level of biosynthesis of P0 in the normal adult cat is substantially reduced, suggesting that the extent of active myelination in the adult cat nerve is at a low level. Furthermore, Schwann cells are capable of continued synthesis of P0 in the adult, permanently transected nerve in the absence of axonal influence, suggesting that axonal association is not an absolute requirement for specifying myelin protein synthesis.

Schwann cell expression of a major myelin glycoprotein in the absence of myelin assembly

Quiescent Schwann cells in the distal segment of the permanently transected nerve produced basal levels of the major myelin glycoprotein, P0, in the absence of myelin assembly. Low levels of P0 could be detected at 35 days after transection by autoradiographic analysis of radioiodinated lectin binding after protein separation by high-resolution sodium dodecyl sulfate pore gradient electrophoresis and by fluorographic analysis after electrophoresis of [3H]fucose- and [3H]mannose-labeled glycoproteins after incorporation into endoneurial slices. Immunoreactivity to P0 in the transected nerve could also be demonstrated with antisera against P0 as evaluated by direct "immune overlay" after electrophoresis. These results indicate that the requirement for continuing signals from appropriate axons to make detectable amounts of myelin-specific proteins and glycolipids is not absolute. Schwann cells, therefore, like oligodendrocytes, can synthesize myelin components in the absence of neuronal influence, although information from neuronal elements probably is required for myelin assembly by Schwann cells and for myelin compaction by oligodendrocytes.

Regulation of myelination: biosynthesis of the major myelin glycoprotein by Schwann cells in the presence and absence of myelin assembly

Schwann cell biosynthesis of the major myelin glycoprotein, P0, was investigated in the crush-injured adult rat sciatic nerve, where there is myelin assembly, and in the permanently transected nerve, where there is no myelin assembly. Endoneurial fractions from desheathed rat sciatic nerves distal to the crush were compared with similar fractions from the permanently transected nerves at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after injury. The Schwann cell expression of this asparagine-linked glycoprotein was evaluated after sodium dodecyl sulfate-pore gradient electrophoresis by Coomassie Blue and silver stain and by autoradiography after direct overlay of radioiodinated lectins [wheat germ agglutinin, gorse agglutinin, and concanavalin A (Con A)]. As evaluated by these parameters, the concentration of P0 after crush decreased and subsequently increased as a function of time after injury, corresponding to the events of demyelination and remyelination. After permanent transection, the P0 concentration decreased following the same time course found after crush. At subsequent time points, P0 could not be detected with Coomassie Blue stain, silver stain, or wheat germ agglutinin. Both gorse agglutinin and Con A, however, showed binding to P0. Radioactive precursor incorporation studies with [3H]fucose or [3H]-mannose into endoneurial slices at 35 days posttransection revealed active oligosaccharide processing of P0 glycoprotein by Schwann cells in this permanent transection model. Compared with other Schwann cell glycoproteins in the transected nerve, the highest level of incorporation of [3H]mannose was found in P0 which accounted for 42.7% of the incorporated label. In contrast, incorporation of [3H]mannose into endoneurial slices at 35 days after crush accounted for only 13.3% in P0. In addition, higher levels of Con A binding were observed in P0 in the transected nerve compared with the contralateral control or the crushed nerve. Both the [3H]fucose incorporation and gorse agglutinin binding to P0 in the transected nerve suggest posttranslational processing of this glycoprotein in the Golgi apparatus; however, the absence of wheat germ agglutinin binding, the high level of mannose incorporation, and the high level of binding by Con A imply that additional processing steps are required prior to its assembly into myelin.

Isolation and partial characterization of plasmalemma from quiescent Schwann cells in denervated cat sciatic nerve

Fractions enriched in plasma membranes have been obtained from peripheral nerves enriched 89% in quiescent Schwann cells. Fractions were prepared from the intrafascicular tissue of desheathed distal stumps of cat sciatic nerve 8-10 weeks after transection and suture in the upper thigh. Tissue enriched in Schwann cells was minced, homogenized, and centrifuged to remove nuclei and undispersed tissue. Centrifugation of the resulting supernatant produced a pellet that was osmotically shocked, layered over a discontinuous sucrose gradient, and recentrifuged. Fractions enriched in plasma membrane (PM) markers were pooled, osmotically shocked for 16 h, layered over a second discontinuous sucrose density gradient, and recentrifuged. Membrane fractions (0.6 M:0.85 M and 0.85 M:1.0 M interfaces) contained a homogeneous population of unilamellar vesicles free of myelin. The 0.85 M fraction was enriched in 5'-nucleotidase, 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase. and specific [3H]ouabain binding, 4.8-, 3.0-, and 5.7-fold over the crude homogenate, respectively. These fractions also demonstrated low enzyme activities for succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphatase (9, 13, and 15% of control values, respectively). Protein yield of the PM fraction (0.85 M) was approximately 0.6 mg/g of denervated nerve. This preparation should be suitable to characterize the surface properties of Schwann cells free of neuronal regulation.

Astrocyte cultures from adult rat brain. Derivation, characterization and neurotrophic properties of pure astroglial cells from corpus callosum

It has not as yet been routinely possible to derive primary cultures of glial cells from adult rat brain tissue even when adopting strategies that have proven successful with perinatal tissue. We now report that in response to a surgical lesion and a period of postoperative 'priming' in vivo, proliferating cultures of astroglial cells can be derived from the normally quiescent glia of the corpus callosum region of the adult rat brain. In such cultures the predominance of astroglia and the virtual absence of oligodendroglia and neurons has been established by the use of a variety of cell-type specific antisera. Fibroblasts, the only other cell type identified, when not numerous could be successfully eliminated by treatment of the cultures with anti-Thy-1 antibodies and guinea pig complement. Pure astroglial cells from adult brain have been sub-cultured and maintained for up to 4 months in vitro, providing suitable quantities of cells for studies on the trophic interaction between glia and neurons. In long-term culture the adult astrocytes maintain a flattened undifferentiated morphology but readily assume a stellate shape with long branching processes upon the addition of a crude homogenate from bovine pituitary.

Intermediate filaments of Schwann cells

Intermediate filaments were prepared from distal stumps of rabbit sciatic nerve 5 weeks after nerve section, at which time Schwann cells account for 85--90% of the cell area. A polypeptide of molecular weight 58,000 was the main component of this fraction. An antiserum raised in guinea pig against this polypeptide stained all cells present in the distal stump, as well as Schwann cells and 3T3 cells in culture. The identity of the molecular weight 58,000 polypeptide obtained from distal stumps with vimentin was proved with one and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and with immunoautoradiography. It is concluded that the intermediate filament subunit of undifferentiated Schwann cells is vimentin. The possibility that Schwann cells in normal nerve may have another type of intermediate filament besides vimentin cannot be ruled out.

Retardation of Schwann cell division and axonal regrowth following nerve crush in experimental lead neuropathy

In experimental lead neuropathy, Schwann cells undergo segmental demyelination and possible cell death and, concurrently, remyelination and multiplication to create new internodes of myelin and onion bulb formations. In rats fed 4% lead carbonate for three months, the ability of Schwann cells to divide (percentage showing mitotic figures, labeling index, n total number per millimeter of fascicular length of nerve) was studied serially for four weeks. Schwann cell events were also compared in sural nerve distal to crush with and without resection of an intervening length of nerve. In both cases, Schwann cell multiplication as a result of axotomy was retarded in lead-intoxicated as compared to control animals. On the average, regrown myelinated axons four weeks after and 10 mm below the point of crush in lead-treated animals were similar in number and smaller in caliber, but they exhibited a normal relationship of myelin thickness to axonal area compared with control animals. These studies provide evidence that Schwann cell division and axonal regrowth after crush are retarded in experimental lead neuropathy.

A method to separate spatially the temporal sequence of axon-Schwann cell interaction during nerve regeneration

This paper describes a surgical method of manipulating feline peripheral nerve regeneration to separate spatially the temporal sequence of events of axon-Schwann cell interaction during nerve fibre formation. The method allows regenerating axons from the peroneal nerve to reinnervate the distal stump of a axon- and myelin-free, Schwann cell-enriched, chronically denervated tibial nerve distal stump. Three zones can be morphologically delineated in the tibial nerve stump after three weeks of reinnervation: (1) a proximal myelinated zone, (2) a more distal, non-myelinated, axon-Schwann cell contact zone, and (3) a distal axon-free Schwann cell non-contact zone. The distal limit of the second zone can be determined accurately by the front of an axonally transported label. The large volume of available tissue makes this method suitable for interdisciplinary studies to elucidate the control of axon elongation, axon growth, and axon-Schwann cell inter-relationships.

Ultrastructural and cytochemical characteristics of cultured rat Schwann cells

Schwann cell cultures were established from sciatic nerve of 3 day-old rats. Described are the ultrastructural, histochemical and ultracytochemical properties of amyelic cultured rat Schwann cells. Ultrastructural characteristics of the cultured Schwann cells are compared to the Schwann cells of 3 day-old and adult rat sciatic nerve. These findings serve as a basis for comparison when studying experimentally induced alterations in the cultured Schwann cells as well as changes due to myelination in vitro.

Remyelination by cells introduced into a stable demyelinating lesion in the central nervous system

Schwann cells from an autogeneic peripheral nerve source were injected into an established demyelinating lesion produced by the direct micro-injection of diphtheria toxin into the cat spinal cord. In control diphtheria toxin lesions, which were not injected with Schwann cells, demyelination and some oligodendrocyte remyelination was seen but Schwann cell remyelination was not observed. In diphtheria toxin lesions which were wholly confined to the posterior columns, Schwann cell myelin was not seen before 3 weeks after cell injection. The Schwann cell myelinated fibres occurred singly or in small groups within the posterior columns and were considered to have been myelinated by injected Schwann cells. By one month Schwann cell myelinated fibres had thick myelin sheaths but many demyelinated axons remained. By contrast, in more extensive diphtheria toxin lesions there was widespread Schwann cell remyelination of central axons at all stages examined after cell injection. The Schwann cell myelinated fibres were grouped in large numbers around the damaged dorsal root entry zones, the likely source of Schwann cells in these lesions. It is concluded that CNS remyelination may be improved by the injection of peripheral Schwann cells although the extent of remyelination is limited. One facet limiting remyelination may be the concentration of Schwann cells that it is possible to inject with present techniques. Functional recovery remains to be investigated.