Myelin basic protein induces cell death of mature pig oligodendrocytes in vitro and produces demyelination in vivo

Abstract

Two methods prevail at present in producing demyelinated areas in the central nervous system. One uses the detergent-like effect of lysolecithin, the other is based on a cell killing effect of ethidium bromide plus x-irradiation. Unwanted side-effects are inherent in both methods. Based on the fact that myelin basic protein (MBP) kills adult pig oligodendrocytes but almost no astrocytes in vitro, we have used MBP for creating demyelinated areas in the centrum semiovale of the pig brain. These lesions are characterized by a loss of oligodendrocytes and myelin, a preservation of axons and astrocytes, and by the presence of macrophages. Thus, this type of lesion might present an alternative option for studying the fate of transplanted myelinating cells. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.