Myelin basic protein induces cell death of mature pig oligodendrocytes in vitro and produces demyelination in vivo

Two methods prevail at present in producing demyelinated areas in the centr al nervous system. One uses the detergent-like effect of lysolecithin, the other is based on a cell killing effect of ethidium bromide plus x-irradiat ion. Unwanted side-effects are inherent in both methods. Based on the fact that myelin basic protein (MBP) kills adult pig oligodendrocytes but almost no astrocytes in vitro, we have used MBP for creating demyelinated areas i n the centrum semiovale of the pig brain. These lesions are characterized b y a loss of oligodendrocytes and myelin, a preservation of axons and astroc ytes, and by the presence of macrophages. Thus, this type of lesion might p resent an alternative option for studying the fate of transplanted myelinat ing cells. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.