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  • Title: Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor alters axon schwann cell units and promotes myelination in unmyelinated nerve fibers.
    Author: Höke A, Ho T, Crawford TO, LeBel C, Hilt D, Griffin JW.
    Journal: J Neurosci; 2003 Jan 15; 23(2):561-7. PubMed ID: 12533616.
    Abstract:
    Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays an important role in the development and maintenance of a subset of dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons. We administered high-dose exogenous recombinant human GDNF (rhGDNF) daily to adult rats to examine its effect on unmyelinated axon-Schwann cell units in intact peripheral nerves. In rhGDNF-treated animals, there was a dramatic proliferation in the Schwann cells of unmyelinated fibers, which resulted in the segregation of many unmyelinated axons into a 1:1 relationship with Schwann cells and myelination of normally unmyelinated small axons. This study demonstrates that the administration of high doses of a growth factor to adult rats can change the phenotype of nerve fibers from unmyelinated to myelinated.
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