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Macroglial cells of the teleost central nervous system: a survey of the main types

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Abstract

Following our previous review of teleost microglia, we focus here on the morphological and histochemical features of the three principal macroglia types in the teleost central nervous system (ependymal cells, astrocyte-like cells/radial glia and oligodendrocytes). This review is concerned with recent literature and not only provides insights into the various individual aspects of the different types of macroglial cells plus a comparison with mammalian glia, but also indicates the several potentials that the neural tissue of teleosts exhibits in neurobiological research. Indeed, some areas of the teleost brain are particularly suitable in terms of the establishment of a “simple” but complete research model (i.e. the visual pathway complex and the supramedullary neuron cluster in puffer fish). The relationships between neurons and glial cells are considered in fish, with the aim of providing an integrated picture of the complex ways in which neurons and glia communicate and collaborate in normal and injured neural tissues. The recent setting up of successful protocols for fish glia and mixed neuron-glia cultures, together with the molecular facilities offered by the knowledge of some teleost genomes, should allow consistent input towards the achievement of this aim.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Prof. E. W. Roubos for critical reading and for corrections to the manuscript. Thanks are also due to Dr. M. Mandrioli for support and discussions, in particular concerning genomic and molecular aspects, and to Prof. E. Pannese, whose work and kindness are models for the authors of the present manuscript.

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  1. Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/D, 41100, Modena, Italy

    Barbara Cuoghi & Lucrezia Mola

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Correspondence to Lucrezia Mola.

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Cuoghi, B., Mola, L. Macroglial cells of the teleost central nervous system: a survey of the main types. Cell Tissue Res 338, 319–332 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-009-0870-2

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