Regeneration of myelin and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the potential for the regeneration of central nervous system (CNS) myelin and its formative and supportive cell, the oligodendrocyte. Myelin is lost in a wide variety of clinical diseases, both as a primary event in diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, and in secondary lesions in which the primary damage is to axons and neurons. With the current interest in the regeneration of the CNS, a burgeoning amount of information on the regeneration of axon has evolved; even some information suggests that the neuron itself may be a more plastic cell than previously thought and may be capable of regeneration. Full regeneration of the CNS requires the regeneration of myelin, whether the latter has been lost as a primary or a secondary event, along with the necessary regeneration of any other neuroglial elements that have been lost. CNS remyelination can occur in mammals and may be extensive and complete in the right system. Successful remyelination depends on an adequate supply of oligodendrocytes, which may be produced by proliferation or regeneration.