Expanding roles for the Schwann cell: ensheathment, myelination, trophism and regeneration.
Schwann cells show remarkable versatility in undertaking a broad repertoire of functions. It is now clear that the well known functions of ensheathment and myelination are specifically regulated by contact with axons, that the Schwann cell is centrally involved in extracellular matrix production in the peripheral nerve trunk, and that the Schwann cell plays a critical role in promoting axonal regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. The Schwann cell's ability to promote regenerative efforts in many central neurons has led to an increasing interest in using Schwann cell autografts for central nervous system repair.
Bunge
R P
RP
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33136.
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D002455:Cell Division; D006801:Humans; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000502:physiology*; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins