Oligodendrocyte

Oligodendrocytes are a type of neuroglia found in the central nervous system (CNS) of invertebrates and vertebrates. They are responsible for the formation and maintenance of myelin sheaths on the axons of neurons in the CNS.

Function

Oligodendrocytes play a crucial role in the functioning of the nervous system. They produce a fatty substance called myelin, which forms a sheath around the axons of neurons. This myelin sheath serves to insulate the axons and speed up the transmission of electrical signals along them. This is essential for the efficient functioning of the nervous system.

Development

Oligodendrocytes develop from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), which are a type of stem cell found in the CNS. The development of oligodendrocytes is a complex process that involves a number of different stages and is regulated by a variety of factors.

Clinical significance

Dysfunction or loss of oligodendrocytes can lead to a number of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and leukodystrophies. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, leading to its degradation and the subsequent loss of function in the affected neurons. In leukodystrophies, there is a genetic defect that affects the formation or maintenance of the myelin sheath.

Research

Research into oligodendrocytes and their role in the CNS is ongoing. This research has the potential to lead to new treatments for neurological disorders such as MS and leukodystrophies.

See also

• Neuron
• Myelin
• Multiple sclerosis
• Leukodystrophies

References

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  Neuron with oligodendrocyte and myelin sheath
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  Illustration of an oligodendrocyte
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  Oligodendrocytes in rat brain

Oligodendrocyte

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  Neuron with oligodendrocyte and myelin sheath
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  Oligodendrocyte illustration
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  Oligodendrocytes in rat brain