Comparative localization of Wolfgram W1 and myelin basic proteins in the rat brain during ontogenesis

Summary Antisera raised in rabbits against myelin basic proteins (MBP) and Wolfgram W1 protein isolated from rat myelin were used to study the maturation of oligodendrocytes in the developing rat nervous system. Both proteins were localized immunohistochemically at the light and electron microscopical levels in rat brain from the time of their first appearance to the adult stage. Oligodendrocytes were first detected by their positive staining with W1 antiserum two days after birth and at 1–3 days later with MBP antiserum. At 8–10 days, the number of oligodendrocytes labelled with both sera increases and the myelinated fibre pathways were clearly visible. Labelling with W1 antiserum was observed in oligodendrocytes at all stages from 2 days after birth to adulthood and in myelin fibres when they were present. In contrast, staining of oligodendroglial cells with MBP declined during the period of rapid myelination (20–25 days after birth) and finally disappeared, whereas myelin staining was still apparent. The electron microscopical study revealed that the synthesis of Wolfgram proteins occurred mostly at the peripheral cytoplasmic ribosomes of the cells, from where they were probably transported to processes engaged in myelination. The electron micrographs also showed that the sites of MBP synthesis seemed to be more uniformly distributed over the entire cytoplasm.