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Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan staining in astrocyte‐schwann cell co‐cultures
Author(s) -
Ghirnikar Roopa S.,
Eng Lawrence F.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
glia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.954
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1098-1136
pISSN - 0894-1491
DOI - 10.1002/glia.440140209
Subject(s) - astrocyte , chondroitin sulfate , staining , chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan , biology , proteoglycan , transplantation , schwann cell , neuroglia , remyelination , microbiology and biotechnology , neuroscience , central nervous system , glycosaminoglycan , biochemistry , extracellular matrix , myelin , medicine , genetics
Transplantation of Schwann cells (SCs) in the central nervous system (CNS) for remyelination in pathological situations has been considered a promising approach. However, numerous studies have indicated that astrocytes have a restrictive effect on SC migration within the CNS. We have previously established an in vitro model which demonstrates the restrictive effect of astrocytes on SCs (Ghirnikar and Eng, Glia 4:367–377, 1994). Using this culture model, in the present study, we have characterized the molecular basis underlying astrocyte‐SC interaction and demonstrated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSP) staining in the co‐cultures. Following 1–2 weeks of incubation, CSP staining was specifically associated with SCs co‐cultured with astrocytes. Staining with antibodies specific for the different chondroitin sulfate isomers revealed the presence of both, chondroitin‐4‐ and 6‐sulfates in SCs. In contrast, SCs when cultured alone, or in the presence of astrocyte conditioned medium did not show CSP staining. These data suggest that CSP staining is associated with SCs following co‐culture with astrocytes and mediated by cell to cell contact. We hypothesize that the CSP, alone or in combination with other molecules expressed by astrocytes and/or SCs, may be involved in the restrictive effects of astrocytes on SCs. Identification of molecules involved in the unfavorable interaction between astrocytes and SCs will have an important bearing on efforts to remyelinate demyelinated axons by SC transplantation within the damaged CNS. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.