Schwann cell-induced loss of synapses in the central nervous system.
Synaptophysin immunostaining of areas of spinal gray matter occupied by radiation-induced intraspinal Schwann cells revealed a loss of immunoreactivity from the neuropil. In contrast, synaptophysin immunoreactivity was preserved on the somata and proximal dendrites of motor neurons. The present study extended these observations to the ultrastructural level and confirmed the absence not only of synapses but also of astrocytes and small- and medium-sized dendrites. These neural elements were abundant and appropriately organized in contiguous areas of irradiated neuropil not occupied by Schwann cells.
Sims
T J
TJ
Department of Anatomy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. tsims@exchange.uams.edu
Gilmore
S A
SA
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003712:Dendrites / Q000528:radiation effects; D019581:Neuropil / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013569:Synapses / Q000528:radiation effects; D016708:Synaptophysin / Q000032:analysis*
D016708:Synaptophysin