Extranodal particle accumulations in the axolemma of myelinated frog optic axons

The Nodes of Ranvier: Molecular Assembly and Maintenance

Action potential (AP) propagation in myelinated nerves requires clustered voltage gated sodium and potassium channels. These channels must be specifically localized to nodes of Ranvier where the AP is regenerated. Several mechanisms have evolved to facilitate and ensure the correct assembly and stabilization of these essential axonal domains. This review highlights the current understanding of the axon intrinsic and glial extrinsic mechanisms that control the formation and maintenance of the nodes of Ranvier in both the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS).

Association of TAG-1 with Caspr2 is essential for the molecular organization of juxtaparanodal regions of myelinated fibers

Myelination results in a highly segregated distribution of axonal membrane proteins at nodes of Ranvier. Here, we show the role in this process of TAG-1, a glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol-anchored cell adhesion molecule. In the absence of TAG-1, axonal Caspr2 did not accumulate at juxtaparanodes, and the normal enrichment of shaker-type K+ channels in these regions was severely disrupted, in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In contrast, the localization of protein 4.1B, an axoplasmic partner of Caspr2, was only moderately altered. TAG-1, which is expressed in both neurons and glia, was able to associate in cis with Caspr2 and in trans with itself. Thus, a tripartite intercellular protein complex, comprised of these two proteins, appears critical for axo-glial contacts at juxtaparanodes. This complex is analogous to that described previously at paranodes, suggesting that similar molecules are crucial for different types of axo-glial interactions.

Recent progress on the molecular organization of myelinated axons

The structure of myelinated axons was well described 100 years ago by Ramón y Cajal, and now their molecular organization is being revealed. The basal lamina of myelinating Schwann cells contains laminin-2, and their abaxonal/outer membrane contains two laminin-2 receptors, alpha6beta4 integrin and dystroglycan. Dystroglycan binds utrophin, a short dystrophin isoform (Dp116), and dystroglycan-related protein 2 (DRP2), all of which are part of a macromolecular complex. Utrophin is linked to the actin cytoskeleton, and DRP2 binds to periaxin, a PDZ domain protein associated with the cell membrane. Non-compact myelin--found at incisures and paranodes--contains adherens junctions, tight junctions, and gap junctions. Nodal microvilli contain F-actin, ERM proteins, and cell adhesion molecules that may govern the clustering of voltage-gated Na+ channels in the nodal axolemma. Na(v)1.6 is the predominant voltage-gated Na+ channel in mature nerves, and is linked to the spectrin cytoskeleton by ankyrinG. The paranodal glial loops contain neurofascin 155, which likely interacts with heterodimers composed of contactin and Caspr/paranodin to form septate-like junctions. The juxtaparanodal axonal membrane contains the potassium channels Kv1.1 and Kv1.2, their associated beta2 subunit, as well as Caspr2. Kv1.1, Kv1.2, and Caspr2 all have PDZ binding sites and likely interact with the same PDZ binding protein. Like Caspr, Caspr2 has a band 4.1 binding domain, and both Caspr and Caspr2 probably bind to the band 4.1 B isoform that is specifically found associated with the paranodal and juxtaparanodal axolemma. When the paranode is disrupted by mutations (in cgt-, contactin-, and Caspr-null mice), the localization of these paranodal and juxtaparanodal proteins is altered: Kv1.1, Kv1.2, and Caspr2 are juxtaposed to the nodal axolemma, and this reorganization is associated with altered conduction of myelinated fibers. Understanding how axon-Schwann interactions create the molecular architecture of myelinated axons is fundamental and almost certainly involved in the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathies.

Caspr2, a new member of the neurexin superfamily, is localized at the juxtaparanodes of myelinated axons and associates with K+ channels

Rapid conduction in myelinated axons depends on the generation of specialized subcellular domains to which different sets of ion channels are localized. Here, we describe the identification of Caspr2, a mammalian homolog of Drosophila Neurexin IV (Nrx-IV), and show that this neurexin-like protein and the closely related molecule Caspr/Paranodin demarcate distinct subdomains in myelinated axons. While contactin-associated protein (Caspr) is present at the paranodal junctions, Caspr2 is precisely colocalized with Shaker-like K+ channels in the juxtaparanodal region. We further show that Caspr2 specifically associates with Kv1.1, Kv1.2, and their Kvbeta2 subunit. This association involves the C-terminal sequence of Caspr2, which contains a putative PDZ binding site. These results suggest a role for Caspr family members in the local differentiation of the axon into distinct functional subdomains.

Astrocyte associations with nodes of Ranvier: ultrastructural analysis of HRP-filled astrocytes in the mouse optic nerve

Astrocytes are implicated in the function of nodes of Ranvier because their perinodal processes form contacts with the axonal membrane at nodes. We have filled astrocytes iontophoretically with horseradish peroxidase in the intact mouse optic nerve to resolve the precise relationship between perinodal processes and astrocyte three dimensional structure. We confirm that nodal contacts were formed either by single processes which almost completely enveloped nodes, or by delicate, finger-like projections from larger processes which made discrete nodal contacts. A single perinodal process can form multiple contacts with a node and nodes were contacted by processes from more than one astrocyte. Perinodal processes emanated from larger processes, which terminated as end-feet on blood vessels and at the pia, as well as collateral branches which subsequently ended at nodes; these latter may specifically subserve nodes. Perinodal contacts were also formed directly by the soma and cytoplasmic expansions of the cell body. Both primary processes and collateral branches formed multiple associations with nodes which often appeared in clusters. Thus, all astrocytes formed multiple contacts with nodes, blood vessels and the subpial glia limitans. We conclude that perinodal processes are not formed by a specialized astrocyte in the mouse optic nerve.

Structural abnormalities in freeze-fractured sciatic nerve fibres of diabetic mice

Nodal and paranodal regions of myelinated sciatic nerve fibres from diabetic (db/db) mice were examined in freeze fracture replicas. In some fibres, the axolemma was found to display abnormalities in the paranodal region. These include shallow, undifferentiated junctional indentations, thinning of the indentations with widening of the non-junctional grooves between them, particle clusters within the non-junctional grooves, and patches in which axolemmal E-face particles are distributed randomly rather than in the form of linear strings within grooves. Nodal structure, in contrast, is hardly affected. Nodal E-face and P-face particle densities in db/db axons are not significantly different from those in age-matched controls, although we found a few examples in which the E-face density fell slightly below the normal range. Occasional fibres showing evidence of paranodal or segmental demyelination were also seen. The results support paranodal pathology as a potential basis for reduced nerve conduction velocity in diabetic nerves but provide no evidence for significant changes in nodal structure or in nodal Na channel density in sciatic nerve fibres of the db/db mouse.

Axolemmal abnormalities in myelin mutants

Evidence is reviewed that the paranodal axoglial junction plays important roles in the differentiation and function of myelinated axons. In myelin-deficient axons, ion flux across the axolemma is greater than that in myelinated fibers because a larger proportion of the axolemma is active during continuous, as opposed to saltatory, conduction. In addition, older myelin-deficient rats that have developed spontaneous seizures display small foci of node-like E-face particle accumulations in CNS axons as well as more diffuse regions of increased particle density and number. Assuming that the E-face particles represent sodium channels, such regions could underlie high sodium current density during activity, low threshold for excitation, and increased extracellular potassium accumulation. Depending on the degree of spontaneous channel opening, they could also represent sites of spontaneous generation of activity. The appearance of seizures and their gradual increase in frequency and severity could represent an increase in the number of such regions. In addition, diminution in the dimensions of the extracellular space during maturation would result in increased extracellular resistance, which, together with increasing axonal diameter, would tend to increase the likelihood of ephaptic interaction among neighboring axons as well as the likelihood of extracellular potassium rises to levels that could cause spontaneous activity.

Role of glial cells in the differentiation and function of myelinated axons

Myelinated axons are highly differentiated in the vicinity of the node of Ranvier, both structurally and with respect to ion channel distribution. Evidence is reviewed showing that axonal differentiation depends upon two distinct types of interaction between glial cells and the axolemma, one at the node itself, with astrocyte processes, and the second, more extensive one, in the paranodal region, with oligodendrocyte processes. In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells fulfill both roles. Glial or Schwann cell abnormalities, due to genetic deficiencies, diseases or experimental procedures, result in corresponding abnormalities in the axolemma and can have devastating effects on nerve fiber function. An example, the myelin-deficient mutant rat, is presented, and the defects underlying the profound and ultimately lethal neurological abnormalities seen in this mutant are discussed in relation to abnormalities in its axoglial interactions.

Effects of delayed myelination by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells on the macromolecular structure of axonal membrane in rat spinal cord

The macromolecular structure of axonal membrane from dorsal funiculi of control and irradiated spinal cord of 45-day-old rats was examined with freeze-fracture electron microscopy. In control spinal cords, virtually all myelination is mediated by oligodendrocytes, and the internodal axonal membrane of these fibres displays highly asymmetrical partitioning of intramembranous particles (IMPs). The internodal P-face particle density is approximately 2350IMPs per micron 2, whereas the E-face IMP density is approximately 150 per micron 2. In control dorsal spinal roots, myelination is mediated by Schwann cells, and the ultrastructure of the internodal axolemma of the myelinated fibres is similar to that displayed by myelinated fibres of dorsal funiculi. On the internodal P-face of Schwann cell-myelinated fibres the IMP density is approximately 2350 per micron 2, whereas on the E-face the density is approximately 175 per micron 2. Irradiation of the lumbosacral spinal cord at 3 days of age results in a glial cell-deficient region within the spinal cord such that myelination in irradiated dorsal funiculi is delayed and subsequent myelination is mediated by both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. By 45 days of age, dorsal funiculi of irradiated spinal cords are well populated with fibres myelinated by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. However, fibres myelinated by oligodendrocytes display very thin myelin sheaths whereas Schwann cell-myelinated fibres exhibit myelin sheaths with normal thicknesses. Internodal membrane of fibres myelinated by Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes exhibit similar macromolecular structure, with approximately 2400 IMPs per micron 2 on P-faces and approximately 150 IMPs per micron 2 on E-faces. Occasional large (greater than 1.5 micron diameter) axons without glial-Schwann cell ensheathment are observed. These axons display a high density of P-face particles (approximately 2000 per micron 2) and a moderate density (approximately 350 per micron 2) of E-face IMPs on their fracture faces. These results demonstrate that CNS fibers exhibit similar axonal membrane ultrastructure irrespective of whether they are myelinated by Schwann cells or oligodendrocytes, or whether myelination is delayed. Moreover, when myelination does not occur, the axolemmal E-face IMP density, which may be related to the density of voltage-sensitive sodium channels, is not reduced.

Nodal and paranodal structural changes in frog optic nerve during early Wallerian degeneration

Ultrastructural changes in the nodal and paranodal regions of myelinated nerve fibres of frog optic nerves were studied during early stages of Wallerian degeneration. The earliest changes seen include retraction of paranodal loops of myelin from the axolemma and disconnection of paranodal myelin loops from myelin lamellae. These paranodal changes are asymmetric around the node and may be more advanced on either the proximal or distal side. Axoplasmic changes, including segregation of microtubules from neurofilaments, disorientation of microtubules and accumulation of abnormal organelles at nodes, appear shortly. In some axons the 'undercoating' along the widened nodal surfaces becomes patchy, and blebs appear in the nodal axolemma. In freeze-fracture replicas a mixture of particle clusters and particle-free areas appears in both E- and P-faces of the nodal axolemma. Blebs remain particle free. Initially, E-face particles remain segregated to the node and are present only at much lower concentrations in the demyelinated paranodal axolemma, suggesting that they are not freely mobile at this stage. Nodal E-face particles begin to decrease on day 5 associated with an increase in particles at the adjacent demyelinated paranode, and by day 11 the particle distribution is uniformly low over the entire extent of the nodal and demyelinated paranodal axolemma. If nodal E-face particles represent sodium channels, as has been proposed, the sequence of changes in Wallerian degeneration would be compatible with a gradual redistribution of nodal sodium channels into the demyelinated paranode.

Structure of the satellite cell sheath around the cell body, axon hillock, and initial segment of frog dorsal root ganglion cells

The structure of the satellite cell sheath of frog dorsal root ganglion cells was studied in thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas. The sheath around the cell body is composed of thin satellite cell lamellae closely applied to the neuronal plasma membrane. At the axon hillock the sheath divides into outer and inner components separated by a broad space containing a distinctive extracellular matrix and occasional flattened satellite cell processes. The sheath around the initial segment is usually multilayered but less compact than that around the cell body, and in some places it exhibits node-like interruptions. Apart from occasional particle groupings characteristic of tight junctions and gap junctions, the satellite cells display homogeneously distributed intramembranous particles in both fracture faces in all regions of the sheath.

Dependence of axolemmal differentiation on contact with glial cells in chronically demyelinated lesions of cat spinal cord

Chronically demyelinated lesions of cat dorsal columns were created by focal injection of the glial toxin ethidium bromide. Freeze-fracture studies show that the center of the lesion, which is devoid of glial cells and processes, contains axons having neither node-like nor paranodal-type membrane specializations. Near the margin of the lesion, however, where axons are in contact with glial cells, the axolemma sometimes displays focal accumulations of E- and P-face particles resembling those at nodes of Ranvier. In cases where the adjacent cell could be identified, it had the characteristics of an astrocyte. Linear indentations of the axolemma displaying a paracrystalline pattern like that of the paranodal axolemma also occur in the marginal region. Here, the adjacent cell had the characteristics of an oligodendrocyte. These specializations may be closely associated with each other or spatially separate. Normal nodal and paranodal specializations were absent throughout the lesion at all time periods examined. These findings support the view that both the formation and the maintenance of nodal and paranodal axon membrane specializations require contact with glial cells.

Plasma membrane structure at the axon hillock, initial segment and cell body of frog dorsal root ganglion cells

Analysis of the plasmalemma of frog dorsal root ganglion cells by freeze-fracture demonstrates regional differences in the distribution of intramembranous particles. Although P-face particles are distributed rather uniformly, the E-face particle concentration at the cell body (approximately 300 micron -2) is much lower than that at the axon hillock (approximately 900 micron -2), proximal initial segment (approximately 1000 micron -2), or intermediate portion of the initial segment (approximately 800 micron -2). The particle concentrations in the latter regions approach that at the node of Ranvier and, moreover, particle size analysis reveals that the E-face particles, like those at the node, include a large number that are 10 nm or more in diameter. Thin sections reveal patches of a dense undercoating on the cytoplasmic surface of the axolemma in some regions of the initial segment but not the axon hillock. It is concluded from these results that the axon hillock and the initial segment of dorsal root ganglion cells have some of the structural characteristics of the node of Ranvier.