Premium
GABA B receptors in Schwann cells influence proliferation and myelin protein expression
Author(s) -
Magnaghi Valerio,
Ballabio Marinella,
Cavarretta Ilaria T. R.,
Froestl Wolfgang,
Lambert Jeremy J.,
Zucchi Ileana,
Melcangi Roberto C.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
european journal of neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.346
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1460-9568
pISSN - 0953-816X
DOI - 10.1111/j.0953-816x.2004.03368.x
Subject(s) - gabab receptor , myelin , receptor , microbiology and biotechnology , peripheral nervous system , biology , schwann cell , population , baclofen , agonist , central nervous system , chemistry , neuroscience , biochemistry , medicine , environmental health
The location and the role of γ‐aminobutyric acid type B (GABA B ) receptors in the central nervous system have recently received considerable attention, whilst relatively little is known regarding the peripheral nervous system. In this regard, here we demonstrate for the first time that GABA B receptor isoforms [i.e. GABA B(1) and GABA B(2) ] are specifically localized in the rat Schwann cell population of the sciatic nerve. Using the selective GABA B agonist [i.e. (–)‐baclofen] and the antagonists (i.e. CGP 62349, CGP 56999 A, CGP 55845 A), such receptors are shown to be functionally active and negatively coupled to the adenylate cyclase system. Furthermore, exposure of cultured Schwann cells to (–)‐baclofen inhibits their proliferation and reduces the synthesis of specific myelin proteins (i.e. glycoprotein Po, peripheral myelin protein 22, myelin‐associated glycoprotein, connexin 32), providing evidence for a physiological role of GABA B receptors in the glial cells of the peripheral nervous system.