Oligodendrocytes isolated from adult pig brain synthesise and release prostaglandins

Abstract.

The synthesis and release of prostaglandins have been studied in oligodendrocytes isolated from adult pig brain. Radioactively labelled arachidonic acid and di-homo-y-linoleic acid were offered as precursors and their incorporation into individual phospholipids followed. Most of the labelling was incorporated into phosphatidylinositol, which may serve as a major source for precursors of the eicosanoid biosynthesis. Oligodendrocytes are capable of synthesising and releasing prostaglandins of the E- and F-series in vitro. Cyclooxygenase, the principal enzyme for prostaglandin synthesis, was localised in oligodendrocytes immunocytochemically by using a double-labelling technique which identified the oligodendrocytes via anti-galactosylcerebroside. The production and release of oligodendroglial prostaglandins indicate that oligodendrocytes themselves can modulate immune-mediated processes in the white matter of the central nervous system. Furthermore, prostaglandins may also play a role during remyelination.