THE REACTIONS AND ROLE OF NG2 GLIA IN SPINAL CORD INJURY

Brain Res, 2016 · DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.07.026 · Published: May 1, 2016

Simple Explanation

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) react rapidly to brain and spinal cord injuries. This reaction is characterized by the retraction of cell processes, cell body swelling and increased expression of the NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. The glial reaction to injury is an attempt to restore normal homeostasis and reestablish the glia limitans but the exact role of reactive OPCs in these processes is not well understood. Reactive OPCs, however, also are a source of axon-growth inhibitory proteoglycans and may interact with invading inflammatory cells in complex ways.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
OPCs are the major dividing cell of the CNS and the injury-induced increases in OPC density are mostly due to proliferation.
2
There is a complex interplay between OPCs, microglia and invading macrophages at sites of SCI.
3
Reactive OPCs are major components of the glial scar and contribute to the barrier functions of the scar.

Research Summary

The reactions of OPCs to spinal cord injury are reviewed. Inflammation after injury can affect OPC biology and OPCX reactivity ma affect the inflammatory response. OPC accumulation after spinal cord injury is detrimental to axon repair and regeneration.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Approaches

Understanding the regulation of disparate properties of OPCs may lead to new therapeutic approaches to devastating injuries of the spinal cord.

Reduce Inflammation

Reducing inflammation by reducing the reactions of OPCs may limit secondary damage after SCI.

Balance Detrimental Effects

A major challenge for the future will be how to reduce the detrimental effects of reactive OPCs on axon regrowth while preserving their ability to remyelinate spared nerve fibers and preserve functionality.

Study Limitations

1
The exact role of reactive OPCs in restoring homeostasis after injury is not well understood.
2
It is difficult to accurately measure the extent of OPC accumulation after SCI due to the inability to unequivocally identify OPCs in tissue sections.
3
The functions of the direct effects of inflammatory cytokines on OPCs within the complex multi-cellular environment of the injured spinal cord or brain have not been investigated extensively.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury