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Clustering of voltage-dependent sodium channels on axons depends on Schwann cell contact

Nature volume 356, pages 333–335 (1992)Cite this article

Abstract

IN myelinated nerves, segregation of voltage-dependent sodium channels to nodes of Ranvier is crucial for saltatory conduction along axons1–4. As sodium channels associate5 and colocalize with ankyrin at nodes of Ranvier6, one possibility is that sodium channels are recruited and immobilized at axonal sites which are specified by the subaxolemmal cytoskeleton, independent of glial cell contact7–10. Alternatively, segregation of channels at distinct sites along the axon may depend on glial cell contact11–14. To resolve this question, we have examined the distribution of sodium channels, ankyrin and spectrin in myelination-competent co-cultures of sensory neurons and Schwann cells by immunofluores-cence, using sodium channel-, ankyrin- and spectrin-specific antibodies. In the absence of Schwann cells, sodium channels, ankyrin and spectrin are homogeneously distributed on sensory axons. When Schwann cells are introduced into these cultures, the distribution of sodium channels dramatically changes so that channel clusters on axons are abundant, but ankyrin and spectrin remain homogeneously distributed. Addition of latex beads or Schwann cell membranes does not induce channel clustering. Our results suggest that segregation of sodium channels on axons is highly dependent on interactions with active Schwann cells and that continuing axon-glial interactions are necessary to organize and maintain channel distribution during differentiation of myelinated axons.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA

    Eun-hye Joe & Kimon Angelides

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  1. Eun-hye Joe
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  2. Kimon Angelides
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Joe, Eh., Angelides, K. Clustering of voltage-dependent sodium channels on axons depends on Schwann cell contact. Nature 356, 333–335 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/356333a0

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