Sexual dimorphism in the white matter of rodents

J Neurol Sci. 2009 Nov 15;286(1-2):76-80. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2009.06.039. Epub 2009 Jul 22.

Abstract

Sexual dimorphism of astrocytes and neurons is well documented in many brain and spinal cord structures. Sexual dimorphism of oligodendrocytes (Olgs) and myelin has received less attention. We recently showed that density of Olgs in corpus callosum, fornix, and spinal cord of wild-type male rodents is more densely packed than in females; myelin proteins and myelin gene expression are likewise greater in males than in female rodents. However, glial cell proliferation and cell death were two times greater in female corpus callosum. Endogenous sex hormones, specifically lack of androgens, produce an Olg female phenotype in castrated male mouse. In vitro studies using Olgs culture also showed differences between males and females Olg survival and signaling pathways in response to sexual hormones. Sexual dimorphism of white matter tracts and glia in rodents indicates the necessity for controlling gender in the experimental studies of neurodegenerative disorders. Most importantly, our studies suggest that hormones may contribute to sexual dimorphism observed in certain human diseases including multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Corpus Callosum / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Multiple Sclerosis / metabolism
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Myelin Proteins / metabolism
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / metabolism*
  • Oligodendroglia / metabolism*
  • Sex Characteristics*

Substances

  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones
  • Myelin Proteins