Biosynthesis and Signaling of Glucocorticoids and Progestins and Their Effects on Myelin Synthesis in Schwann Cell/neuronal Co-Cultures
Rodriguez-Waitkus, Paul M.
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/84809
Description
Title
Biosynthesis and Signaling of Glucocorticoids and Progestins and Their Effects on Myelin Synthesis in Schwann Cell/neuronal Co-Cultures
Author(s)
Rodriguez-Waitkus, Paul M.
Issue Date
2004
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Glaser, Michael
Department of Study
Biochemistry
Discipline
Biochemistry
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Biology, Neuroscience
Language
eng
Abstract
The myelin sheath is a specialized membrane in the nervous system that facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses in a fast and efficient manner. Steroids hormones can be synthesized de novo in the nervous system. The major objective of this research was to identify the steroid signal transduction pathways between neurons and Schwann cells that regulate the steps in myelin formation. Schwann cell/neuronal co-cultures were used to study myelin synthesis in the peripheral nervous system. Progesterone and glucocorticoids were found to increase the rate of myelin synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Both steroids increased the expression levels of myelin glycoprotein Po and the number of myelin internodes in treated co-cultures. It was discovered that Schwann cell/neuronal co-cultures synthesize many different steroids. When [7-3H] pregnenolone and [1,2-3H] deoxycorticosterone were added to the co-cultures these precursors were converted to several steroid metabolites. The expression of the major steroidogenic enzymes were determined in the co-cultures. The spatial and temporal expression of the progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors were also determined in the co-cultures. Steroid biosynthesis and the expression of steroid receptors in Schwann cell/neuronal co-cultures suggest that steroid hormones are potential regulators of myelin synthesis in the peripheral nervous system.
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