Histochemical evaluation of iron content in oligodendrocytes in selected regions of the rat brain

Oligodendrocytes are the predominant iron-containing cells in the brain and mainly located in the vicinity of blood vessels and nerve fibres. One of the iron storage proteins located in oligodendrocytes is ferritin; the other one is transferrin. The main function of oligodendrocytes is the production of myelin. Iron is involved directly in the production of myelin as a factor supporting biosynthesis of cholesterol and lipids and indirectly due to requirements for iron during oxidative stress. Some cytokines and iron deficiency can contribute to reduced levels of iron uptake by oligodendrocytes, hence higher susceptibility of these cells to oxidative stress.