Two populations of glial cells from fish optic nerve/tract with distinct electrophysiological properties

Exp Brain Res. 1991;87(2):383-8. doi: 10.1007/BF00231855.

Abstract

The electrophysiological properties of the two major glial cell types in cultures from the regenerating goldfish optic nerve/tract were studied with patch-clamp techniques. Spindle-shaped cells express myelin proteins. These oligodendrocyte-like cells possess outwardly rectifying currents, do not show glutamate activated currents and are rarely electrically coupled to neighboring cells. Cells of epitheloid morphology probably represent astrocytes. They are GFAP-positive and do not exhibit myelin proteins. These cells have glutamate activated currents, display a linear current to voltage relationship and are extensively electrically coupled thus displaying properties similar to mammalian astrocytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminopyridine / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Electrophysiology / methods
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / analysis
  • Glutamates / pharmacology
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Goldfish
  • Ion Channels / drug effects
  • Ion Channels / physiology
  • Membrane Potentials / drug effects
  • Myelin Proteins / analysis
  • Nerve Regeneration
  • Neuroglia / cytology
  • Neuroglia / drug effects
  • Neuroglia / physiology*
  • Oligodendroglia / cytology
  • Oligodendroglia / physiology
  • Optic Nerve / cytology
  • Optic Nerve / physiology*
  • Visual Pathways / cytology
  • Visual Pathways / physiology*

Substances

  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
  • Glutamates
  • Ion Channels
  • Myelin Proteins
  • Glutamic Acid
  • 4-Aminopyridine