Effects of neonatal transection on glial cell development in the rat optic nerve: evidence that the oligodendrocyte-type 2 astrocyte cell lineage depends on axons for its survival

摘要: We have previously provided evidence that the rat optic nerve contains three types of macroglial cells develop as two distinct lineages: one lineage comprises type 1 astrocytes, which before birth, while other oligodendrocytes and 2 after birth from a common, bipotential glial progenitor cell. In present study we examined influence axons on development these cell lineages by cutting at so retinal ganglion in degenerate. Using antibodies to distinguish different suspensions semithin frozen sections cut uncut nerves, show neonatal transection results striking decrease total number oligodendrocytes, astrocytes their but has much less effect astrocytes. Since [3H]thymidine labelling indices were not significantly decreased our suggest and/or progeny die large numbers following transection. conclude are required for survival oligodendrocyte-type astrocyte lineage, least during postnatal development.