Chapter 3 Cellular reactions of the central nervous system

Publication date: 2017 Source:Handbook of Clinical Neurology, Volume 145 Author(s): Gabor G. Kovacs Major cell types of the central nervous system comprise neurons, glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells, and microglia), choroid plexus cells, cells related to blood vessels and coverings. These cells show a wide range of reactions to various noxious agents, which can be detected in routine stainings. Some of these reactions are nonspecific to different injuries; however some, such as the appearance of inclusion bodies, can be highly disease-specific. Immunohistochemical markers are widely used in neuropathologic diagnostic practice and help to understand the pathogenesis of diseases. The most widely used neuronal markers comprise phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated neurofilaments, microtubule-associated protein-2, NeuN, or synaptic markers such as synaptophysin. The best antibody for the detection of astrocytes is anti-GFAP (glial fibrillar acidic protein); however, to support a glial origin, S100 or vimentin is also used in the diagnostic practice. Further astroglial markers include connexin-43, excitatory amino acid transporters, aquaporin-4, heat shock protein Hsp27, and α-B-crystallin. Depending whether the tissue is fixed or nonfixed, different oligodendroglial markers are available, such as myelin basic protein, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, myelin-associated glycoprotein, proteolipid protein, Olig2, NG2, 2′ 3′-cyclic nucleotide 3-phos...

Source: Handbook of Clinical Neurology - October 4, 2017 Category: Neurology Source Type: research