Physiology of oligodendroglia - PubMed
4 days ago
- #Oligodendroglia
- #Neuroplasticity
- #Myelin
- Oligodendrocytes produce myelin, essential for rapid electrical conduction in the CNS.
- Myelin evolution was critical for vertebrate brain development and cognitive capacity.
- White matter volume increases from 6% in primitive mammals to 50% in humans.
- Oligodendroglial lineage includes myelinating oligodendrocytes, OPCs, and satellite oligodendrocytes.
- OPCs are crucial for developmental myelination and adaptive neural circuit plasticity.
- Myelination decreases with aging, correlating with cognitive decline.
- Oligodendroglia express ion channels, transporters, and neurotransmitter receptors for neuronal support.
- OPCs are electrically excitable and form synapses with neurons.
- Oligodendroglia contribute to neuroplasticity via axon guidance, synapse formation, and adaptive myelination.
- Oligodendroglia are vital for CNS integrity, cognitive function, and behavior.