Genetically-targeted and conditionally-regulated ablation of astroglial cells in the central, enteric and peripheral nervous systems in adult transgenic mice.

Ablation of tissue regions, specific genes, or specific cell types represent important means of studying function in the nervous system. Here we summarize recent experience using a strategy for the genetically-targeted and conditionally regulated ablation of astroglial cells in different parts of the nervous system. The strategy is based on the targeted expression of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase to astroglial cells using the glial fibrillary acid protein promoter in transgenic mice, combined with treatment with the antiviral agent ganciclovir. Under different experimental conditions we find that transgene-expressing astroglial cells can be selectively ablated by ganciclovir in the enteric nervous system, or in the injured forebrain or sciatic nerve, providing models in which to study the functions of these cells. Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.