Neurotransmitter-mediated regulation of CNS myelination: a review

In addition to treatments aimed at preventing or limiting damage to myelin and oligodendrocytes, there is a crucial need for repair strategies in huma n demyelinating disorders. There is increasing evidence that, besides growt h factors, neurotransmitters can regulate different steps of the oligodendr ogliogenesis. The present review on neurotransmitter receptor expression an d function in the oligodendrocyte lineage emphasizes the concept that in th is lineage cell proliferation and differentiation can be controlled through the modulation of the functional state of channel proteins and receptors, such as the delayed K+ rectifier, the AMPA/kainate, dopamine or muscarinic receptors, and, most likely, others yet to be found. We anticipate that a b etter understanding of the neurotransmitter-mediated neuronal oligodendrogl ial communication network opens prospects in the field of central nervous s ystem (CNS) myelin repair, allowing the recruitment of the myelinating mach inery that is known to remain present but quiescent in the CNS of multiple sclerosis patients.