Mechanisms of Injury and Regeneration of Oligodendrocyte in Subcortical Ischemic White-matter Injury

Oligodendrocytes are one of the major cells in cerebral white matter. Under physiological conditions, they form myelin sheaths that encircle axons and give them nutrition and support. However, under conditions of ischemia, oligodendrocytes tend to damage and demyelination happens, which may induce white matter dysfunction and cognitive deficits at last. This review provides an overview of the major causes of the oligodendrocyte cell death following ischemia and the molecules and relative pathways of the remyelination process. Thus hope to provide effective therapeutic targets to restore white matter integrity and promote long term neurological recovery in subcortical ischemic white matter injury.