Expression of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) in the Trigeminal Ganglion of Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background Significance: The pseudounipolar neurons in the sensory ganglia are wrapped by small satellite cells which play a similar role like Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. The pseudounipolar cells of trigeminal ganglion are surrounded by a capsule formed by satellite glial cells. These satellite glial cells play important role in maintaining normal functions of the neuron. Aim & Objective: To localise GFAP in satellite glial cells of trigeminal ganglion. Material & Methods: Six male wistar albino rats trigeminal ganglion were collected and immunohistochemically stained for GFAP in six male wistar albino rats. Result: GFAP was localised in the cytoplasm of satellite glial cells surrounding the neurons. GFAP was also localised around Schwaan cells of an axon. Discussion: GFAP is an intermediate protein which can get up regulated due to peripheral axonal injury. This GFAP can trigger mediators of inflammation and create a neuralgia or migraine like conditions. Conclusion: This study concluded that satellite cells are type of glial cells that express GFAP. This GFAP was also expressed by Schwaan cells surrounding the axon. Keywords: GFAP, Trigeminal ganglion, Satellite glial cells, Pseudounipolar neurons