Subclasses of oligodendrocytes populate the mouse hippocampus

Jonathan Vinet, Philippe Lemieux, Albert Tamburri, Paul Tiesinga, Joseph Scafidi, Vittorio Gallo, Attila Sík

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Oligodendrocytes are the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system that facilitate transmission of axonal electrical impulses. Using transgenic mice expressing 2′,3′ cyclic nucleotide 3′ phosphodiesterase (CNPase)-enhanced green fluorescent protein, a three-dimensional reconstruction tool and analysis, we illustrate that three morphologically different oligodendrocyte types exist in the hippocampus. Those of the ramified type have the most numerous processes, the largest cell body, occupy the largest area and form beaded-like structures, due to mitochondria aggregates, along the processes. Stellar-shaped oligodendrocytes have smaller cell bodies and their processes cover a significantly smaller area. Those of the smooth subtype have a small cell body with at most two processes. In addition to these types, a large number of oligodendrocytes were found that faintly express CNPase-enhanced green fluorescent proteMore than 50% of the faint type colocalized with NG2 and 91% with oligodendrocyte transcription factor-2, whereas 94% of NG2-immunoreactive and 45% of oligodendrocyte transcription factor-2- immunoreactive cells were faintly CNPase-enhanced green fluorescent protein positive. Based on the complexity of the overall structure, the three types probably represent stages of a maturation process such that one subtype can morph into another. Thus, the least complex 'smooth' cell would represent the youngest oligodendrocyte that matures into the stellar type and eventually progresses to become the most complex ramified oligodendrocyte. Investigation of the distribution pattern revealed that the highest density of oligodendrocytes was found in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare and the hilar region. The distribution analysis of oligodendrocyte subclasses revealed a tendency for different cell types to segregate in large non-overlapping areas. This observation suggests that morphologically, and possible functionally, different oligodendrocytes are topographically segregated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)425-438
Number of pages14
JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience
Volume31
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Glia maturation
  • Myelination
  • NG2
  • Oligodendrocyte transcription factor-2
  • Reconstruction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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