Genetically-targeted and conditionally-regulated ablation of astroglial cells in the central, enteric and peripheral nervous systems in adult transgenic mice

Ablation of tissue regions, specific genes, or specific cell types represen t important means of studying function in the nervous system. Here we summa rize recent experience using a strategy for the genetically-targeted and co nditionally regulated ablation of astroglial cells in different parts of th e nervous system. The strategy is based on the targeted expression of herpe s simplex virus thymidine kinase to astroglial cells using the glial fibril lary acid protein promoter in transgenic mice, combined with treatment with the antiviral agent ganciclovir, Under different experimental conditions w e find that transgene-expressing astroglial cells can be selectively ablate d by ganciclovir in the enteric nervous system, or in the injured forebrain or sciatic nerve, providing models in which to study the functions of thes e cells. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.