Cultured oligodendrocytes mimic in vivo phenotypic characteristics: cell shape, expression of myelin-specific antigens, and membrane production.

Primary cultures of neonatal mouse cerebra were maintained for up to 4 weeks in the absence of neurons. Oligodendrocytes in these cultures pass through a sequence of cytoarchitectural change and antigen expression which mimics the differentiation of oligodendrocytes in vivo. The cell bodies and processes of oligodendrocytes first express the myelin-specific antigen galactocerebroside (GC) by 2 days in vitro. Myelin basic protein (MBP) appears several days later. The majority of oligodendrocytes then proceed to elaborate large sheets of membranous material from the tips and lengths of cell processes. These membranous sheets, which contain GC and MBP, are reminiscent of unwrapped myelin profiles in vivo. As with the cell bodies and processes, GC is inserted into the sheets several days before MBP. Our results establish that oligodendrocytes cultured without neurons are able to produce extensive membranes containing myelin-specific antigens. They also suggest that oligodendrocyte shape and membrane production are, in part, regulated from within the oligodendrocyte itself.