The Function of NG2/CSPG4-expressing Cells in the Rat Spinal Cord Injury: An Immunoelectron Microscopy Study

Emerging evidence supports an increased role for NG2/CSPG4-expressing cells in the process of neuroregeneration and synaptic plasticity, due to the increased production of multifunctional chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (NG2/CSPG4). However, the response of NG2/CSPG4-expressing cells in spinal cord injury (SCI) remains to be elcudiated. Expression and distribution of NG2/CSPG4-expressing cells were studied by immunoelectron microscopy in the ventral horns (VH) of an intact and injured rat spinal cord. In the intact spinal cord, NG2/CSPG4 expression was detected on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm of NG2 glia and was absent in neurons. Large amounts of NG2/CSPG4 were found on myelin membranes. The ability of intact astrocytes to produce NG2/CSPG4 was shown, although to a lesser extent than oligodendrocytes and NG2 glia. At 7 days after SCI at the Th8 level in the reactive glial zone of VH, the expression of NG2/CSPG4 sharply increased in NG2 glia at a distance of 3-5 mm and in reactive astrocytes were observed at all investigated distances caudally from the epicenter of injury. The obtained results indicate the presence of NG2/CSPG4-positive astrocytes in the intact spinal cord, and in the case of damage, an increase in the ability of reactive astrocytes to produce NG2/CSPG4. SCI leads to increased expression of NG2/CSPG4 by NG2 glia in the early stages after injury, which decreases with distance from the epicenter of the injury, as well as at later stages. (c) 2021 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

NG2/CSPG4-expressing cells play an important role in neuroregeneration and synaptic plasticity, with a specific response pattern observed in spinal cord injury.