CNS Myelin Sheath Lengths Are an Intrinsic Property of Oligodendrocytes.

ABSTRACT: Since Río-Hortega's description of oligodendrocyte morphologies nearly a century ago, many studies have observed myelin sheath-length diversity between CNS regions. Myelin sheath length directly impacts axonal conduction velocity by influencing the spacing between nodes of Ranvier. Such differences likely affect neural signal coordination and synchronization. What accounts for regional differences in myelin sheath lengths is unknown; are myelin sheath lengths determined solely by axons or do intrinsic properties of different oligodendrocyte precursor cell populations affect length? The prevailing view is that axons provide molecular cues necessary for oligodendrocyte myelination and appropriate sheath lengths. This view is based upon the observation that axon diameters correlate with myeli

SUBMITTER: Bechler ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4580335 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature