Project Summary

Anna Dobretsova, Ph.D (Young Investigator 2006) of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, , will study in an animal model the role of myelin in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. Recent research has revealed that both disorders affect myelin in the brain cortex. Myelin-producing cells (oligodendrocytes) provide metabolic support for neuronal processes (axons). Moreover, myelin is indispensable for rapid conduction of neuronal impulses along the axons and for efficient communication between neuronal cells. This project will use an established developmental animal model of schizophrenia to study changes in oligodendrocytes in the developing and adult brain. Oligodendrocytes isolated from different regions of experimental and control animal brains will be analyzed for the presence of markers for mature myelin and for markers of neuron-oligodendrocyte interactions. The number of mature vs. immature oligodendrocytes will be evaluated in the affected brain regions to establish whether the survival or maturation of these cells is affected by the disease. In addition, Dr. Dobretsova will attempt to understand what intracellular process is affected in oligodendrocytes by the disease.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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