Theophylline Produces Accelerated Remyelination in the Central Nervous System of Mice

The myelin sheathing around axons is necessary for the proper function of nervous system tissue. Demyelinating conditions such as multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks myelin, well illustrate the severe consequences that result from a sizable loss of myelin. Unfortunately, the integrity of myelin sheathing declines with age for everyone, most likely the result of disruption and damage in the oligodendrocyte cell population responsible for maintaining these structures. Evidence suggests that this contributes to cognitive decline and other issues. Thus it is worth keeping an eye on progress towards therapies that might enhance the generation and repair of myelin sheathing. The work noted here is an example of the type, in which the drug theophylline is shown to improve recovery from myelin loss in mice. Neurons are composed of axons, i.e., long fiber-like extensions that transmit signals to other cells. Many of them are surrounded by a myelin sheath, a thick fatty layer that protects them and helps to transfer stimuli rapidly. Without myelin, the functional capacity of neurons - and therefore of the whole nervous system - is limited and neurons can easily degenerate. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the diseases associated with myelin sheath degradation. MS patients suffer successive episodes of demyelination resulting in a progressive loss of function of their nervous system. Remyelination of the axons can prevent this. ...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs