title: GABA-B receptors in the PNS have a role in Schwann cells differentiation?
abstract: γ-aminobutyric acid type B (GABA-B) receptor mediates the inhibitory transmission of γ-aminobutyric acid in the mammalian nervous system, being present in neurons and also in glial cells. Recently the presence of GABA-B has been demonstrated in Schwann cells (SC) suggesting its contribution in regulating the cell fate, maturation, and plasticity. Here, we further support the functional presence of GABA-B receptor in SC plasma membrane. By confocal microscopy immunofluorescence we provide evidences that GABA-B localization on the cell elongated processes correlates with the morphological changes occurring in the differentiated SC. In vivo most of the GABA-B receptors seem to be present in non-myelinating SC, which are committed to ensheath the nociceptive fibers. Therefore, we argue that GABA-B receptors do not control exclusively the in vivo differentiation yielding the myelinating SC, but are also fundamental in regulating the SC plasticity versus the non-myelinating state. Data from the literature and our recent findings corroborate the role of the GABAergic system and GABA-B receptors in the peripheral nervous system, opening new perspectives on the mechanisms controlling the differentiation of SC.
authors: Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, Italy.
authors: Patrizia
authors: P
authors: Procacci
authors: Marinella
authors: M
authors: Ballabio
authors: Luca F
authors: LF
authors: Castelnovo
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Mantovani
authors: Valerio
authors: V
authors: Magnaghi
keywords: GABA; actin; cAMP; myelin; non-myelinating cells