The role of NCAM in remyelination

Neurol Sci. 2002 Mar;22(6):429-35. doi: 10.1007/s100720200001.

Abstract

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is expressed by myelinating precursor cells in neonatal mouse spinal cord and by remyelinating cells after chemically induced demyelination in adult mouse. It shows tempting suggestions about its possible involvement in the reparative mechanisms and the remyelination processes that take place in multiple sclerosis (MS). In fact, its levels progressively increase in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of acute MS patients subjected to steroid treatment, paralleling the progressive clinical improvement after the attack. Such an increase is not found in acute MS patients not treated with steroids nor in non-acute patients subjected to the same steroid treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Demyelinating Diseases / metabolism*
  • Demyelinating Diseases / pathology
  • Humans
  • Myelin Sheath / metabolism*
  • Myelin Sheath / pathology
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules / biosynthesis
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology*

Substances

  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules