Oligodendrocytes and Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells (OPCs) in aged human brain. A Neuropathology study.

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundCerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD) represents a variety of pathological processes affecting the cerebrovascular system. We tested whether the populations of oligodendrocytes (OLs) and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), associate with ageing and with CSVD.MethodWe examined deep subcortical white matter of individuals aged 78.5 (18.3) (mean (SD); range 20‐97, n = 24 (no information were given for 2 of them, only ‘young’)) with and without CSVD. All had minimal AD pathology (Braak stage II or less). Immunohistochemistry was performed, using the markers NogoA (specific for mature OLs), CD140A (for OPCs) and Sox10 (both OPCs and OLs) followed by digital image analysis.ResultAll samples had a substantial density of small, parenchymal cells with robust expression of each marker (NogoA, CD140A, Sox10). The density of NogoA‐positive cells was correlated with age (rs = 0.619, p = 0.011). There was a lower density of CD140A‐positive cells in individuals aged >70 with CVSD compared to those without CVSD (p = 0.016).ConclusionOur results indicate that there may be changes in OL and OPC density with age, and in CSVD.