Volume 50, Issue 2 pp. 229-237
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In situ expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors by oligodendrocyte progenitors and oligodendrocytes in adult mouse central nervous system

Jeffrey M. Redwine

Jeffrey M. Redwine

Neurosciences Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland

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Karen L. Blinder

Karen L. Blinder

Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland

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Regina C. Armstrong

Corresponding Author

Regina C. Armstrong

Neurosciences Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland

Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland

Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799Search for more papers by this author

Abstract

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induces proliferation and alters differentiation of cultured oligodendrocyte lineage cells. In situ, bFGF is present in normal adult central nervous system (CNS) and upregulated during an early stage of various pathological conditions. We examined the expression of receptors for bFGF (FGFRs) by oligodendrocyte progenitors and oligodendrocytes in situ in normal adult mouse CNS to further understand the potential in situ response to bFGF. We found FGFR immunoreactivity in oligodendrocyte progenitors, identified by expression of NG2 or platelet-derived growth factor α receptor (PDGFαR), and in oligodendrocytes expressing 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′ phosphodiesterase. Particularly interesting is the demonstration that oligodendrocyte progenitors simultaneously expressing receptors for both bFGF and PDGF-AA are present in normal adult CNS. Since in vitro bFGF and PDGF-AA in combination induce oligodendrocyte progenitors from normal adult CNS to undergo rapid proliferation and migration, the in situ coexpression of FGFRs and PDGFαR supports the hypothesis that oligodendrocyte progenitors can respond to bFGF and PDGF-AA in situ, and that both growth factors may be critical for repopulation of demyelinated lesions during remyelination. J. Neurosci. Res. 50:229–237, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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