Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) inhibits schwann cell demyelination during Wallerian degeneration

Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2014 Apr;34(3):361-8. doi: 10.1007/s10571-013-0020-y. Epub 2013 Dec 23.

Abstract

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is implicated in intercellular communication as a neurotransmitter in the peripheral nervous system. In addition, ATP is known as lysosomal exocytosis activator. In this study, we investigated the role of extracellular ATP on demyelination during Wallerian degeneration (WD) using ex vivo and in vivo nerve degeneration models. We found that extracellular ATP inhibited myelin fragmentation and axonal degradation during WD. Furthermore, metformin and chlorpromazine, lysosomal exocytosis antagonists blocked the effect of ATP on the inhibition of demyelination. Thus, these findings indicate that ATP-induced-lysosomal exocytosis may be involved in demyelination during WD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / pharmacology
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Demyelinating Diseases / pathology
  • Demyelinating Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Schwann Cells / drug effects*
  • Schwann Cells / pathology
  • Wallerian Degeneration / drug therapy*
  • Wallerian Degeneration / pathology

Substances

  • Adenosine Triphosphate