Sex and age differences in glia and myelin in nonhuman primate and human spinal cords: implications for pathology.

ABSTRACT: In a healthy central nervous system, glial cells are influenced by genetic, epigenetic, age, and sex factors. Aging typically causes astrocytes and microglia to undergo changes that reduce their neuroprotective functions and increase harmful activities. Additionally, sex-related differences in glial and myelin functions may impact neurological disorders. Despite this, few studies have investigated glial cells in primates, with most focusing on the brain. This study aims to explore whether glial cells and myelin exhibit age- and sex-related differences in the spinal cord of nonhuman primates and humans. We used immunohistochemistry and myelin staining to analyze healthy spinal cord samples from midlife and aged individuals of both sexes, focusing on Microcebus murinus (a small nonhuman prim

SUBMITTER: Poulen G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11965325 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature