Characterization of murine satellite glial cells of the dorsal root ganglia – a unique cell population with potential regenerative capacities

Introduction Satellite glial cells (SGCs) represent a unique cell population within dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and maintain environmental homeostasis to protect sensory neurons. Interestingly, these cells seem to possess a high level of plasticity and therefore represent promising candidates for future transplantation studies.

Materials and methods DRG of C57BL/6 mice were used for characterization of a specific marker panel and functional subsets in healthy SGCs using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Antibodies targeting glutamine synthetase (GS), inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) 4.1 channel, neural stem cell markers (nestin; NG2; Sox2), immunological markers (CD45; CD107b; Iba1) as well as glial cell markers (GFAP; periaxin; CNPase) were applied.

Results Preliminary in situ analysis of DRG revealed GS and Kir4.1 channel as highly specific markers for the detection of SGCs. Moreover, subsets of SGCs stained positive for NG2 (55.63%) and CD45 (73.89%), whilst 0% of SGCs showed immunoreactivity for nestin, Sox2, CD107b, Iba1, GFAP, periaxin or CNPase.

Conclusion These data support the hypothesis that SGCs might exhibit a unique phenotype indicating their potential role in regenerative processes.

Publication History

Article published online:
22 June 2021