Myelin basic protein stimulates the proliferation of astrocytes: possible explanation for multiple sclerosis plaque formation.
In dissociated mouse brain cell cultures we frequently observed an association between myelin basic protein (MBP) positive oligodendrocytes and proliferating astrocytes. When MBP was added in a purified form to the culture medium, it greatly stimulated the proliferation of astrocytes, while other proteins tested did not. This finding allows us to speculate that the gliosis observed in demyelinating diseases or/and in central nervous system (CNS) injury would be due to the mitogenic effect exerted by MBP or its fragments when there is myelin breakdown.
Bologa
L
L
Deugnier
M A
MA
Joubert
R
R
Bisconte
J C
JC
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000293:injuries; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005911:Gliosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008938:Mitosis / Q000187:drug effects; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000209:etiology*; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D004676:Myelin Basic Protein