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Biomedical subjects

W F Blakemore

Publications and source records attributed to W F Blakemore.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1975

Remyelination by Schwann cells of axons demyelinated by intraspinal injection of 6-aminonicotinamide in the rat.

Focal areas of primary demyelination were produced in the spinal cords of rats by means of local injections of 6-aminonicotinamide. Both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes underwent degeneration in the demyelinated area. Nearly all the demyelinated axons were remyelinated by Schwann cells; only a very small number of axons located adjacent to normally myelinated axons were remyelinated by oligodendrocytes. The glial limiting membrane was reconstituted around the ecge of the area remyelinated by Schwann cells. This experiment offers further evidence for an important role of astrocytes in controlling Schwann cell invasion of the central nervous system, and in addition suggests that astrocytes are also needed for oligodendrocyte remyelination to take place.

6-Aminonicotinamide↗
PubMed1975

Observations on the interactions of Schwann cells and astrocytes following X-irradiation of neonatal rat spinal cord.

Myelination was inhibited in the spinal cord of three day-old rats with 2000 rads of X-irradiation. Myelination subsequently occurred as a result of caudal migration of oligodendrocytes and extensive invasion of the cord by Schwann cells. Although oligodendrocytes were present in areas containing Schwann cells, astrocytes were absent. The presence of Schwann cells in the neuropil of the spinal cord did not stimulate production of basement membrane by astrocytes, so no new glial limiting membrane was formed. Evidence is presented which suggests that if astrocytes do not form a glial limiting membrane when opposed by large numbers of Schwann cells they are destroyed by the invading cells. It is suggested that the glial limiting membrane normally inhibits entry of Schwann cells into the central nervous system; if this is destroyed and not reconstituted, Schwann cells can migrate freely into the neuropil.

Animals↗