Research on myelination has focused on identifying molecules capable of inducing oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation in an effort to develop strategies that promote functional myelin regeneration in demyelinating disorders. Here, we show that transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling is crucial for allowing oligodendrocyte progenitor (OP) cell cycle withdrawal, and therefore, for oligodend...

Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of CNS axons, are highly vulnerable to excitotoxic signals mediated by glutamate receptors of the AMPA and kainate classes. Receptors in these cells are commonly activated by glutamate that is released from axons and glial cells. In addition, oligodendrocytes contribute to the control of extracellular glutamate levels by means of their own transporters. H...

Tinea incognito is a dermatophytic infection induced by immunosuppressive agents that lacks the classic features of a typical fungal infection. Although the treatment of tinea incognito is simple and relatively easy, its clinical manifestation varies and can masquerade as various skin disorders, causing misdiagnosis and thus preventing prompt and appropriate treatment. Here, we report an intere...

Inflammatory neuropathies are acquired disorders of peripheral nerves and occasionally of the central nervous system that can affect individuals at any age. The course can be monophasic, relapsing, or progressive. Inflammatory neuropathies are classified as acute or chronic. The acute form reaches a nadir by 4 weeks and the chronic form over 8 weeks or greater. The most common example of an acu...

Theiler's virus infection of the CNS induces an immune-mediated demyelinating disease in susceptible mouse strains and serves as a relevant infection model for human multiple sclerosis (MS). Cannabinoids may act as immunosuppressive compounds that have shown therapeutic potential in chronic inflammatory disorders. Using the Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus model, we report here that tre...

Allergic and autoimmune diseases have been considered to be at the opposite sides of the spectrum of the immune response. Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, are considered T helper 1 (Th1)-mediated diseases, and allergic disorders, such as asthma, food allergy or rhinitis, are considered to be Th2-mediated. ...

The brain white matter is responsible for the transmission of electrical signals through the central nervous system. Lesions in the brain white matter, called white matter hyperintensity (WMH), can cause a significant functional deficit. WMH are commonly seen in normal aging, but also in a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders. We propose here an automatic method for WHM analysis in ...

Brain biopsy plays a crucial role in the exploration of suspect white matter lesions in the differential diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and inflammatory demyelination. We present the case of a previously healthy, immunocompetent woman, aged fifty-nine, who developed a histologically confirmed demyelinating white matter lesion months prior to the manifestation of a ...

In the adult brain, both neurons and oligodendrocytes can be generated from neural stem cells located within the Sub-Ventricular Zone (SVZ). Physiological signals regulating neuronal versus glial fate are largely unknown. Here we report that a thyroid hormone (T3)-free window, with or without a demyelinating insult, provides a favorable environment for SVZ-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor gen...

intrODuctiOn The clinical presentation of acute unilateral visual loss in a young patient can be due to a number of conditions including possible retinopathy or optic neuropathy. Although demyelinating optic neuritis is the most common unilateral optic neuropathy to present in a young adult to a neuro-ophthalmologist, the possibility of acute retinopathy should also be in the differential diagn...