Effects of electroacupuncture and the retinoid X receptor (RXR) signalling pathway on oligodendrocyte differentiation in the demyelinated spinal cord of rats

Acupunct Med, 2017 · DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011134 · Published: October 24, 2016

Simple Explanation

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The disorder is related to the failure of myelin-producing cells. Currently, there is no treatment for MS, so stimulation of endogenous OPCs represents a potential therapeutic option. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been used as an adjuvant therapy to treat MS. The study examines whether ‘Governor Vessel’ (GV) electroacupuncture (EA) would promote the differentiation of endogenous OPCs into oligodendrocytes by activating the retinoid X receptor γ (RXR-γ)-mediated signalling pathway. The results of the study suggest that EA may activate RXR signalling to promote the differentiation of OPCs into oligodendrocytes in spinal cord demyelination.

Study Duration

30 days

Participants

78 female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
EA increased the numbers of both OPCs and oligodendrocytes expressing RXR-γ and RALDH2, and promote remyelination in the remyelinated spinal cord.
2
Exogenous 9-cis-RA enhanced the differentiation of OPCs into mature oligodendrocytes by activating RXR-γ.
3
EA induces RXR-γ expression and increases the number of OPCs and oligodendrocytes expressing RXR-γ in the demyelinated DF of the spinal cord induced by EB administration in rats.

Research Summary

This study investigated whether ‘Governor Vessel’ (GV) electroacupuncture (EA) would promote the differentiation of endogenous OPCs into oligodendrocytes by activating the retinoid X receptor γ (RXR-γ)-mediated signalling pathway. EA was found to increase the numbers of both OPCs and oligodendrocytes expressing RXR-γ and RALDH2, and promote remyelination in the remyelinated spinal cord. The results of the in vivo and in vitro experiments of the present study suggest that EA promotes OPCs to differentiate into oligodendrocytes through a mechanism involving activation of the RXR signalling pathway of OPCs.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Strategy

EA may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for demyelinating disorders.

Drug Target

The RXR signalling pathway may be a potential drug target in regenerative therapy for demyelinating disorders.

Prevent Inhibition of Spontaneous Remyelination

EA would be expected to prevent inhibition of spontaneous remyelination and to accelerate the differentiation of mature OPCs.

Study Limitations

1
The underlying mechanism of action remains uncertain.
2
Spontaneous restoration is limited in MS.
3
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of the RXR signaling pathway.

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