Embryonic development of central nervous system myelination in a reptilian species, Eumeces fasciatus

Abstract

The myelin proteolipid proteins are a vital component of the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), contributing essential functions to the development of the myelinating cells of the CNS and to the structure of CNS myelin. Alternative splicing of the proteolipid protein (PLP) gene to produce two related isoforms occurs in Mammalia, Aves, and Reptilia, but not Amphibia. As part of a long-term investigation into the function of the different isoforms of PLP, embryonic development, myelination, and PLP gene expression in reptilian CNS were examined. PLP gene expression was already substantial by day 19 (stage 39) of the 27-day Eumeces fasciatus egg incubation period. By day 21 of incubation, also stage 39, PLP mRNA was at peak levels; there was a significant amount of CNS myelination as demonstrated by electron microscopy of the spinal cord; and the reflexive motor response was evident. Although most axons were myelinated by the time of hatching, myelin sheaths continued to increase in size and compactness after hatching. The correlation of physiological development, CNS myelination, and expression of the PLP gene in the lizard corresponded well with the developmental pattern seen in mammals.