biostudies-literatureBerret ENIDCD NIH HHS557https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC5601459biostudies-literatureUnknown8(1)Oligodendrocyte (OL) maturation and axon-glial communication are required for proper myelination in the developing brain. However, physiological properties of OLs remain largely uncharacterized in different brain regions. The roles of oligodendroglial voltage-activated Na⁺ channels (Na_v) and electrical excitability in relation to maturation to the myelinating stage are controversial, although oligodendroglial excitability is potentially important for promoting axon myelination. Here we show spiking properties of OLs and their role in axon-glial communication in the auditory brainstem. A subpopulation of pre-myelinating OLs (pre-OLs) can generate Na_v1.2-driven action potentials throughout postnatal development to early adulthood. In addition, excitable pre-ONature communicationsOligodendroglial excitability mediated by glutamatergic inputs and Nav1.2 activation.PMC5601459R01 DC013157R01 DC03157Debner EKim EJBerret EKim JHXu JBarron TfalseOligodendroglial excitability mediated by glutamatergic inputs and Nav1.2 activation.Oligodendrocyte (OL) maturation and axon-glial communication are required for proper myelination in the developing brain. However, physiological properties of OLs remain largely uncharacterized in different brain regions. The roles of oligodendroglial voltage-activated Na⁺ channels (Na_v) and electrical excitability in relation to maturation to the myelinating stage are controversial, although oligodendroglial excitability is potentially important for promoting axon myelination. Here we show spiking properties of OLs and their role in axon-glial communication in the auditory brainstem. A subpopulation of pre-myelinating OLs (pre-OLs) can generate Na_v1.2-driven action potentials throughout postnatal development to early adulthood. In addition, excitable pre-O2017-01-01T00:00:00Z2017 Sep2025-04-05T10:47:59.285Z2019-03-27T02:56:34ZS-EPMC56014592891679310.1038/s41467-017-00688-0