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Volume 16, Number 16, Issue of August 15, 1996 pp. 4914-4922
Copyright ©1996 Society for Neuroscience

The Clustering of Axonal Sodium Channels during Development of the Peripheral Nervous System

Ian Vabnick1, Sanja D. Novakovic1, S. Rock Levinson2, Melitta Schachner3, and Peter Shrager1

1 Department of Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, 2 Department of Physiology, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado 80262, and 3 Department of Neurobiology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule, Zürich CH 8093, Switzerland

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
FOOTNOTES
REFERENCES

ABSTRACT

The distribution of Na+ channels in rat peripheral nerve was measured during development by using immunofluorescence. Small segments of sciatic nerve from postnatal day 0-13 (P0-P13) pups were labeled with an antibody raised against a well conserved region of the vertebrate Na+ channel. At day P0 axons contained almost no Na+ channel aggregates. The number of clusters increased dramatically throughout the first week. In almost all cases Na+ channels clustered in the vicinity of Schwann cell processes. At least four classes of aggregates were noted. Clusters formed singly at Schwann cell edges, in pairs or in broad regions between neighboring Schwann cells, and in more focal zones at presumptive nodes. Almost all Na+ channel aggregates had reached the latter stage by the end of the first week. Histograms plotting the frequency of occurrence of each cluster type suggested a sequence of events in node formation involving the initiation of channel aggregation by Schwann cell processes. The requirement for Schwann cells during sodium channel clustering was tested by blocking proliferation of these cells with the antimitotic agent mitomycin C. Na+ channel clustering was sharply reduced, whereas node formation was normal at a distal site along the same nerve. Immunocytochemical detection of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) indicated that Schwann cells must begin to ensheathe axons before inducing Na+ channel clustering.

Key words: myelin; sodium channel; axon; Schwann cell; glia; development

INTRODUCTION

During development of the peripheral nervous system, myelination and node of Ranvier formation take place during early postnatal stages. Efficient and rapid axonal transmission via saltatory conduction is critically dependent on these processes as well as on the function of voltage-dependent ion channels. In adult axons the distribution of Na+ channels is highly heterogeneous. The channels are present at high density at nodes and at much lower levels in paranodal and internodal zones (Shrager, 1989). What determines the location of nodes along a fiber and which mechanism is responsible for Na+ channel clustering at these sites? Early studies focused on morphological specializations that were found at mature nodes but were not otherwise specific for Na+ channels. This initial research provided evidence for early aggregation of intramembranous particles, generally associated with glial contact, and for a localized, unique cytoskeletal organization (Waxman and Foster, 1980; Wiley-Livingston and Ellisman, 1980; Tao-Cheng and Rosenbluth, 1983). More recently, evidence has been presented from in vitro studies that suggests that Schwann cells play an important role in channel aggregation (Joe and Angelides, 1992). Neuron-glial communication can be mediated via recognition-adhesion molecules at the cell surface. For example, several studies show that adhesion molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily are important for Schwann cell ensheathment of axons (Seilheimer et al., 1989; Fruttiger et al., 1995). Furthermore, the expression of various surface glycoproteins by glia and axons is dependent on developmental state (Martini and Schachner, 1986; Rieger et al., 1986; Nolte et al., 1989; Shatz, 1990).

In this paper we study the process of channel clustering and node formation in developing rats in vivo. We label Na+ channels by immunofluorescence and examine dissociated axons over distances of sufficient length for quantitative analysis. Several stages in Na+ channel cluster formation are identified and measured. By following the distribution of these intermediate forms over the first postnatal week, we suggest a possible progression of events for node of Ranvier development.

An abstract describing parts of this work has appeared previously (Vabnick et al., 1995).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primary antibodies. For Na+ channel immunolocalization, rabbit polyclonal antibodies were raised against a highly conserved 18-amino-acid peptide (TEEQKKYYNAMKKLGSKK) located between domains III and IV in the alpha -subunit of the vertebrate Na+ channel. The peptide was synthesized in the institutional facility at the University of Colorado Medical School and was conjugated to maleimide-activated keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Rabbits were immunized at 4 week intervals. Antibodies were purified by affinity chromatography (ImmunoPure Ag/Ab Kit #2, Pierce, Rockford, IL) with the immobilized peptide described above. Anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (anti-MAG) monoclonal antibodies were prepared by immunization with affinity-purified glycoproteins carrying the L2 epitope from 1-2-d-old chicken brains. An IgG monoclonal antibody to MAG was obtained by the fusion of a mouse myeloma clone P3X63Ag8.653 with spleen cells from immunized mice. Details are available in Poltorak et al. (1987).

Immunofluorescence. Lewis rats from postnatal days 0 to 13 (P0-P13) were killed, and sciatic nerves were dissected, desheathed, and dissociated into individual fibers with collagenase, 3 mg/ml, for 15-20 min at room temperature (RT). Segments of axons (2-3 mm) were held in place on coverslips with small, isolated spots of Cell-Tak (Collaborative Research, Bedford, MA). The tissue was fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (PB), pH 7.2, for 30 min and washed in 0.05 M PB (3× for 5 min). Alternatively, in some cases nerves were fixed before desheathing. Then the preparation was permeabilized for 2 hr in 0.1 M PB, pH 7.4, containing 10% goat serum and 0.3% Triton X-100 (PBTGS), and exposed to the Na+ channel antibody (1:50 in PBTGS) for 15 hr at RT. Unless otherwise noted, all succeeding washes (3× for 5 min) and antibody dilutions were in PBTGS. Coverslips were washed and incubated for 1 hr in goat anti-rabbit IgG Fc-specific Fab2 fragments conjugated with biotin (1:200, Accurate Chemicals, Westbury, NY). The samples were washed and exposed to Extravidin-FITC (1:100, Sigma, St. Louis, MO). In control experiments, primary Na+ channel antibodies were incubated overnight with a 50 M excess of the peptide antigen at 4°C (unabsorbed primary antibody likewise was kept at 4°C).

For double labeling, coverslips then were washed and incubated in anti-S100 (Sigma) or anti-MAG antibodies at 1:500 or 1:300 dilutions, respectively. They were washed and treated with goat anti-mouse antibody conjugated with TRITC (Sigma), diluted 1:200. Samples were washed successively in PBTGS, 0.1 M PB, and 0.05 M PB, pH 7.4. Then the preparation was air-dried and mounted on slides for observation on a Nikon Microphot fluorescence microscope. [When figure panels are lettered with and without a prime (e.g., A,A'), they represent double labeling.] Images were collected with a SIT 68 camera (Dage-MTI, Michigan City, IN) connected to a DSP 2000 image processor (Dage-MTI) and were fed to a DT3851 series frame processor (Data Translation). A portion of the data was also collected by 35 mm photography with a Nikon N6000 camera. A focal region of immunofluorescence was considered to represent a cluster (aggregate) of Na+ channels if (1) it was brightest at the edges of the fiber, consistent with surface labeling of a cylinder, and (2) it clearly stood out from background-nonspecific label. Spatial coordinates were measured by a pair of digital linear gauges with an accuracy of ± 1 µm (EG-255, Ono Sokki Technology) mounted on the microscope stage. Gauge outputs were transferred to a laboratory computer, and at least two sections of nerve from each animal were analyzed.

Mitomycin injection. Day P0 rat pups were anesthetized by the procedure of Park et al., (1992). The dam was conditioned 1 week before birth by placing in the cage cotton batting containing saline, alcohol, and anesthetic and also a drop of Vetbond on a piece of surgical glove. The anesthetic Innovar-Vet (Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Ontario, Canada) was diluted with sterile Locke's 1:10. Pups were placed on a heating pad maintained at 38°C. 0.02 ml diluted Innovar-Vet was injected subcutaneously at the base of the tail. The pup was positioned on its side and, at the loss of the pedal withdrawal reflex, 100% oxygen flow was administered and continued for the remainder of the surgery. The sciatic nerve was exposed and was slipped over a glass rod to make it accessible for the injection. Mitomycin C, 400 mg/ml, was dissolved in sterile Locke's, and 0.5 µl was injected into the sciatic nerve via a glass micropipette broken to a tip diameter of 20-30 µm. The insoluble dye carmine red was included in the mitomycin solution to allow localization of the injection site. The wound was sealed with Vetbond, and the animal was revived with a subcutaneous injection of 0.02 ml Naloxone HCl (Astra Pharmaceutical Products) at the base of its tail. As a control, littermates were injected with Locke's plus carmine red. The nerves were dissected 6 or 7 d after surgery for immunocytochemistry. The Locke's solution contained (in mM): NaCl 154, KCl 5.6, CaCl2 2, and HEPES 10, pH 7.4.

RESULTS

Sodium channel aggregation during the first postnatal week

Indirect immunofluorescence was used to characterize Na+ channel aggregation over the first postnatal week. On day 0 (P0) most axons have adherent Schwann cells, many of which are seen with extended processes. However, very few fibers are found with regions labeled by the Na+ channel antibody. Figure 1A illustrates an axon and associated Schwann cell tested with the Na+ channel antibody. Only a very weak, diffuse label is noted, shown below to be nonspecific. There are no aggregates present. To see the extent of the glial processes, the preparation was also labeled for the Schwann cell-specific cytoplasmic protein S100 (Fig. 1A'). The processes seem to extend symmetrically along the axon. One day later Na+ channel clusters were detected on axons. Figure 1B shows small axonal sodium channel aggregates (large arrowheads) closely associated with the edges of an adherent Schwann cell. The Schwann cell was labeled with an antibody against MAG in Figure 1B'. MAG and S100 were used in this experiment primarily as a means of visualizing the extent of glial processes. Below, we use MAG expression as a measure of the developmental state of Schwann cells. At days P0-P1 Schwann cells often were relatively isolated along axons, and the gap between neighboring processes was up to a few hundred micrometers in length. Na+ channel clusters associated with these glial structures are called ``single process'' sites. Note additionally the small region of the Schwann cell body with the Na+ channel label (Fig. 1B, small arrowhead). This was seen only occasionally. At day P1, of 99 MAG+ bipolar Schwann cell bodies examined, 10 had at least low level Na+ channel immunoreactivity with a similar pattern, and two had the relatively intense label seen in this figure. Schwann cell Na+ channel label was virtually absent by day P2. There is evidence for the presence of Na+ channels in glia, but agreement with respect to myelinating Schwann cells is lacking (Chiu et al., 1984; Howe and Ritchie, 1990; Ritchie et al., 1990; Sontheimer et al., 1992; Chiu, 1993).
Fig. 1. Variation of Na+ channel aggregation by postnatal day. A-E are labeled with the Na+ channel antibody, A' is double-labeled with anti-S100, and B'-E' are double-labeled with anti-MAG antibodies. A, A', An axon with an adherent Schwann cell, day P0. Na+ channel aggregates are absent. The Schwann cell processes extend along the axon. B, B', Isolated Schwann cell with adjacent Na+ channel aggregates (single process clusters, large arrowheads). Note labeling in region of Schwann cell body (small arrowhead), day P1. C, C', Broad Na+ channel cluster bordered by MAG+ Schwann cell processes, day P3. D, D', Na+ channel cluster with two foci (binary aggregate), day P4. E, E', Presumptive node of Ranvier with a focal cluster of Na+ channels, day P6. Scale bars, 25 µm.
[View Larger Version of this Image (84K GIF file)]

By day P3 the gap between adjacent Schwann cell processes was reduced to 3-10 µm. At the wider sites (>5 µm) two different classes of Na+ channel aggregation were seen. Figure 1C illustrates the pattern observed with the highest frequency---a single, broad Na+ channel cluster. MAG labeling (Fig. 1C') shows that this aggregate was bordered at each edge by a Schwann cell process. This category of sites is called ``broad clusters.'' Na+ channel label at other wide gaps was not uniform but, rather, had edges more intense than the center. This is seen in Figure 1D, which shows a fiber at day P4. This is reminiscent of the possible fusion of two channel aggregates seen during remyelination (Dugandzija-Novakovic et al., 1995) and is denoted ``binary clusters.'' Again, the neighboring glial processes were MAG-positive (Fig. 1D'). By the end of the first postnatal week, almost all sites of high Na+ channel density had nodal characteristics. They were highly focal, as in Figure 1E, and were bordered by MAG-positive Schwann cell processes (Fig. 1E') that had increased caliber as compared with earlier stages (Fig. 1C'). This class was called ``presumptive nodes'' and included all such clusters <5 µm in length.

Control experiments were performed to determine the specificity of the Na+ channel antiserum. The primary antibody was preabsorbed with the peptide antigen before labeling the nerve. Figure 2 compares sites from day P3 that were labeled with normal (not preabsorbed) or blocked antiserum. Sodium channel labeling with normal serum was confined to axonal zones between MAG-positive Schwann cells (Fig. 2A,A'). In contrast, only very weak, diffuse immunofluorescence was observed at such sites after exposure to preabsorbed antibody (Fig. 2B,B'). This test was performed multiple times at several stages from days P1 to P5 with identical results. We therefore consider this residual labeling to be nonspecific, and it is not discussed further.

Fig. 2. Control labeling with Na+ channel antibody preabsorbed with the peptide antigen. A, Broad aggregate at day P3 labeled with normal (nonabsorbed) Na+ channel antibody. A', Schwann cell processes double-labeled with MAG antibody. B, Similar wide site labeled with preabsorbed Na+ channel antibody. B', Processes are again MAG+. Scale bar, 10 µm.
[View Larger Version of this Image (63K GIF file)]

We have measured quantitatively the frequency of occurrence of the four classes of Na+ channel clusters defined above. This was necessary because at each postnatal day there is a spectrum of axons at varying stages of node formation and myelination. Figure 3 gives histograms tabulating the number of clusters per unit length as a function of the postnatal day. Results for several segments of fibers were summed in each experiment. The total measured axonal length ranged between 15 and 37 mm. Measurements were limited to regions spread sufficiently so as to be clearly discernible on the slide. On day P0, aggregation of sodium channels was limited to just one cluster per 5 mm (Fig. 3A, solid bars). By day P5 this frequency was maximal and was 36-fold higher than on day P0. The most rapid rate of cluster formation took place between days P1 and P2. Cluster frequency decreased beyond day P5.

Fig. 3. Histograms giving a quantitative analysis of the distribution of Na+ channel aggregate classes per unit length of axon over days P0-P10. A, Solid bars, All aggregate types combined; white bars, presumptive nodes. B, White bars, Broad clusters; gray bars, binary clusters; solid bars, aggregates associated with isolated Schwann cells (single process clusters). Error bars, SEM.
[View Larger Version of this Image (30K GIF file)]

It was instructive to examine the rate of appearance of the four different classes of Na+ channel aggregates seen in these studies. These categories reached their maximal frequencies per unit length sequentially. Single process aggregates, associated with isolated Schwann cells, reached their peak the earliest and declined in frequency rapidly after day P3 (Fig. 3B, solid bars). The appearance of binary clusters (gray bars) was delayed initially 1 d relative to that of single process sites, but by day P3 their frequency clearly exceeded that of the latter. This is consistent with the hypothesis mentioned above that the binary clusters are formed by the lateral movement and fusion of two single process aggregates (Dugandzija-Novakovic et al., 1995). The longitudinal occurrence of broad aggregates (white bars) was higher than that of the single process and binary classes even at early times, and by day P4 these broad clusters were four times more numerous than the others. The broad sites, in turn, were superseded by presumptive nodes (Fig. 3A, white bars) after day P4, perhaps suggesting a compaction of the channels as the Schwann cell terminal processes mature. Note that the frequency of presumptive nodes per unit length declined beyond day P7 (Fig. 3A). This latter result may be attributable to the rate of linear growth of axons exceeding the rate of formation of new nodes at this stage. Internodal lengths have been shown to increase proportionally to limb length (Schlaepfer and Myers, 1973).

The length of clusters of Na+ channels within three of the above four classes was also measured and plotted as histograms over days P2-P4 (Fig. 4). Single process sites were not included, because the number with clearly definable edges was too small for meaningful comparison with other categories. The lengths of both binary and broad sites decreased over this time frame, whereas the presumptive nodal length remained constant. Further, the average length of binary aggregates was significantly longer than that of broad clusters. Thus, these data support the idea that binary clusters coalesce into broad clusters and also that broad aggregates condense into nodes.

Fig. 4. Histograms giving a quantitative analysis of the length of Na+ channel clusters from days P2-P4. Solid bars, Binary clusters; gray bars, broad clusters; white bars, presumptive nodes. Error bars, SEM.
[View Larger Version of this Image (27K GIF file)]

There is some evidence that peripheral nerve development occurs in a proximo-distal gradient, because Schwann cells are more numerous in proximal regions during early embryonic periods (Carpenter and Hollyday, 1992). Additionally, our preliminary results from thin-section ultrastructure suggest that myelination follows the same gradient. It is for this reason that the above studies all were done at the same level, just below the tibial-peroneal split. However, over short distances, e.g., <500 µm, there was relatively homogeneous development along a given axon, with aggregates within this region falling primarily within a single class. This was particularly noticeable on day P0 when axons either lacked clusters entirely or had several aggregates over the observed length. Additionally, Schwann cell bodies and Na+ channel clusters often were aligned within a small group of neighboring axons. Figure 5 illustrates one such zone at day P4. The Schwann cells are denoted by asterisks. Groups of Na+ channel clusters are seen at the left and right extremities of the figure. The distance between these groups was 400 µm.

Fig. 5. Alignment of Na+ channel clusters at the ends of internodes of a group of neighboring parallel axons at day P4. The asterisks denote Schwann cell bodies. Na+ channel clusters are near the left and right borders of the figure. The figure is a composite of four images. Scale bar, 25 µm.
[View Larger Version of this Image (11K GIF file)]

Relationship between sodium channel clustering and MAG expression by Schwann cells

During development of the peripheral nervous system there is differential expression of several surface molecules. For example, L1 and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) are present at early stages of Schwann cell-axon interaction. After formation of a 1:1 association and overlapping ensheathment, L1 and NCAM are down-regulated and MAG expression is increased markedly (Martini and Schachner, 1986). Thus, the appearance of MAG defines a particular state of differentiation of Schwann cells during myelination. There is a strong correlation between the expression of MAG in adherent Schwann cells and the formation of axonal aggregates of Na+ channels. Associated Schwann cells initially were MAG-negative. On day P0 the majority of Schwann cells extended along axons lacked expression, and only a small fraction of cells was MAG-positive. A key observation concerns a correlation of Na+ channel clustering with MAG expression at all days during the first postnatal week. Na+ channel clusters were present only on axons associated with MAG-positive Schwann cells. Channel aggregates were never seen within a segment of axon lacking these cells. This was demonstrable as early as day P1, when the number of clusters first became appreciable. Figure 6A contains two identifiable Na+ channel aggregates (arrows) that are present along axons wrapped by MAG-positive Schwann cells, the fine processes of which extend to the cluster (Fig. 6A', arrows). At this stage, most axon-associated Schwann cells remain MAG-negative. Further, there seems to be a delay between the expression of MAG and the clustering of channels. Other fibers in the field also contain MAG-positive cells (Fig. 6A') but are not associated with detectable Na+ channel clusters. In one experiment at day P0, only 5% of the MAG-positive cells bordered Na+ channel clusters. Individual axons may contain strings of MAG-labeled Schwann cells and have no detectable Na+ channel aggregates. By day P4 most of the Schwann cells adherent 1:1 with axons are expressing MAG (Fig. 6B') and have adjacent axonal Na+ channel clusters (Fig. 6B). Arrows point to one such cluster in Figure 6B and its corresponding location in Figure 6B'.
Fig. 6. Correlation between Na+ channel aggregation and MAG expression. A-C, Labeling with Na+ channel antibody. A'-C', Double labeling with anti-MAG serum. A, A', Region from day P1 nerve. There are only two identifiable Na+ channel clusters. These aggregates are each between MAG+ Schwann cells. Arrows point to clusters (A) and their corresponding locations (A'). B, B', Region from day P4 nerve containing a large number of Na+ channel clusters bordered by MAG+ Schwann cell processes. Arrows indicate one such cluster (B) and its corresponding location (B'). C, C', A long Na+ channel cluster with a density that tapers from right to left, day P3. The Schwann cell process on the right is intensely MAG+, whereas that on the left is labeled only weakly. Arrowheads denote the approximate boundary of the channel cluster. Scale bars, 25 µm.
[View Larger Version of this Image (135K GIF file)]

Under circumstances in which neighboring Schwann cells are expressing significantly different levels of MAG, a Na+ channel aggregate with graded density usually is observed in the intervening axonal space, as seen in Figure 6C. The sodium channel label is most intense next to the Schwann cell process with the greater level of MAG expression. This would correspond to the Schwann cell on the right in Figure 6C'. Arrowheads denote the tips of MAG-labeled Schwann cell processes (Fig. 6C') and also mark the approximate extent of the Na+ channel cluster.

The distribution of MAG within Schwann cells changed over the first postnatal week. During the earliest period, P1 through P3, MAG was widespread throughout the Schwann cell. This can be seen on day P1 in Figures 1B' and 6A' and on day P3 in Figure 1C'. Between days P4 and P5 MAG label seems patchy, as seen in Figures 1D' and 6B'. By day P6 MAG antiserum intensely labels regions that, presumably, are paranodes (Fig. 1E') and also forms bands of label in internodal regions (data not shown) that may be Schmidt-Lanterman incisures. In rare instances at this time a spherical Schwann cell was seen to bridge the gap between two closely spaced Na+ channel clusters (data not shown). These cells were never positive for MAG but were brightly labeled with anti-S100. Similar Schwann cell bodies have been described during recovery from experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (Bonnaud-Toulze and Raine, 1980).

On rare occasions it seemed as if a clear gap were present between a cluster and any bordering Schwann cell processes. In Figure 7A one such isolated Na+ channel aggregate can be seen. The preparation was labeled for MAG in Figure 7A' to allow visualization of the extent of the Schwann cell processes. The arrowhead denotes the location of the Na+ channel cluster. The closer process (on the left) is 45 µm from the cluster. However, in most instances, a fine Schwann cell process could be seen to extend from bordering Schwann cells to an aggregate. Figure 7B,B' illustrates one such situation. The Na+ channel aggregate appeared in Figure 7B to be isolated, but when MAG was labeled (Fig. 7B'), a fine process could be seen extending to it. It was considered possible that isolated aggregates were the result of Schwann cell process retraction or degeneration because of mechanical stress during the spreading procedure. As a control, nerves from days P1, P2, and P7 were fixed before desheathing and collagenase treatment, a P5 animal was perfusion-fixed, and the nerve was cryosectioned. Relatively few Na+ channel clusters could be examined because of difficulties in spreading fixed fibers. All of these were bordered tightly by MAG+ Schwann cell processes, without long gaps. Further, the classes of Na+ channel structure were similar in these axons and included binary, broad, and presumptive nodal sites. Recently, we have found that the ultrastructural localization of Na+ channel clusters relative to Schwann cell processes in remyelinating axons is independent of previous fixation (Novakovic et al., 1996).

Fig. 7. Testing for gaps between Na+ channel clusters and Schwann cell processes. A, B, Labeling with Na+ channel antibody. A', B', Double labeling with anti-MAG serum. A, A', An isolated axonal Na+ channel aggregate not closely associated with Schwann cell processes. The arrowhead denotes the location of the channel cluster. B, B', An abrupt change in Schwann cell wrapping, resulting in a fine process extending to an Na+ channel aggregate. Scale bars, 25 µm.
[View Larger Version of this Image (29K GIF file)]

Block of Schwann cell proliferation

The antimitotic agent mitomycin C was used to deplete the population of Schwann cells in a limited region of developing sciatic nerve. The drug was injected intraneurally on day P0, and the nerve was studied on day P6 or P7. Figure 8A shows that there was a marked decrease in axonal ensheathment in the injection site and a corresponding dramatic loss of Na+ channel aggregation as compared with uninjected animals. Those few axons that were associated with a Schwann cell (SC) usually had Na+ channel aggregates, although none are visible in this figure. As a control, we examined a region distal to the injection site. If the drug or injection procedure induced axonal damage, degeneration would be expected at this control site. As seen in Figure 8B, the nerve appeared normal at this location. There was significant Schwann cell ensheathment, and many presumptive nodes (arrow) were visible in axons. To test whether the effects of the injection were attributable to mechanical damage by the injection pipette rather than to the drug, an intraneural injection of vehicle alone was performed. In this case, the injection site generally appeared normal (Fig. 8C), but a few sections of the preparation were underdeveloped, containing Schwann cell-free segments of axons (data not shown).
Fig. 8. Block of Schwann cell proliferation in developing nerve focally injected on day P0 with mitomycin C. A, The injected zone on day P7 labeled for Na+ channels. Many thin axons are seen, with few Schwann cells (SC) and almost no identifiable Na+ channel clusters. B, A region on the same nerve, distal to the injection site. Axons are covered by Schwann cells/myelin, and many Na+ channel clusters are seen (arrow). C, Axons from a control animal injected on day P0 with Locke's and carmine red, examined on day P6. Many presumptive nodes with Na+ channel clusters are seen. Scale bar, 10 µm.
[View Larger Version of this Image (152K GIF file)]

DISCUSSION

Our results demonstrate a clear link between the degree of Schwann cell association and Na+ channel clustering during development. Do Schwann cells induce clustering, or does Na+ channel aggregation occur de novo and, in turn, signal Schwann cells to form adjacent paranodal structures? Although it cannot be ruled out unequivocally, several lines of evidence render the latter mechanism unlikely. Firstly, it was very rare to see a Na+ channel cluster isolated from Schwann cells. The few such instances that were observed have been discussed with respect to Figure 7. It was difficult to eliminate the possibility that a fine Schwann cell process was, in fact, present or had retracted during tissue preparation. Although occasional isolated clusters may exist, their low frequency would seem to preclude their representing a major route to node formation. Further, we never saw more than two clusters between the tips of neighboring Schwann cell processes. This should occur with a significant probability if Na+ channel aggregation preceded glial adherence. Finally, local depletion of Schwann cells by the antimitotic drug mitomycin virtually eliminated Na+ channel aggregation. This compound is not likely to act by disruption of axonal elements, e.g., cytoskeleton, because a distal region was normal. Disruption of Schwann cells by diphtheria toxin in a transgenic mouse (Messing et al., 1992) also prevented Na+ channel clustering (Vabnick et al., 1996).

What can we determine regarding the sequence of events in node formation? Because broad nodes predominate, Na+ channel aggregation must occur most often after two Schwann cell processes have approached each other closely. Other structures, although seen less frequently, provide essential information. Observations of single process clusters suggest that aggregation takes place near the tips of Schwann cell processes. Binary clusters were delayed 1 d relative to single process clusters and therefore may result from two of the latter moving closer together as Schwann cells grow along the axon. The continuous decrease in length of binary clusters and the fact that their average length is, at all times, longer than that of broad clusters suggest that some broad clusters form via fusion of binary pairs. Broad clusters, in turn, also became progressively shorter, presumably coalescing into presumptive nodes. Thus, we suggest that, whereas the precise route may vary somewhat, nodes of Ranvier form as Na+ channels are induced to cluster by adherent Schwann cells.

Why do broad clusters predominate? It may be that the Na+ channel density in early premyelinated axons is very low, and immunocytochemical detection of an aggregate most often occurs only after two Schwann cell processes are in sufficient proximity to contribute simultaneously. In the compound action potential recorded at 37°C from a day P0 nerve, three components could be resolved, with conduction velocities ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 m/sec. In premyelinated optic nerve, Waxman and coworkers (1989) have shown that the conduction velocity is 0.2 m/sec, and the corresponding density of Na+ channels is 2/µm2. The density of Na+ channels in our day P0 axons is, thus, likely to be substantially below the minimum for detection by immunofluorescence, which we estimate to be ~50 channels/µm2. Even at day P0 some fibers could be found with a series of closely neighboring Schwann cells separated by short gaps suggestive of presumptive nodes. Almost none of these breaks, however, were populated with detectable Na+ channel clusters. Just 2 d later large numbers of broad clusters were seen. Additionally, because newborn nerves are short and Schwann cell numbers grow rapidly, it may be that, in most cases, by the time these cells have adhered, extended processes and have begun ensheathment, the gap between them is already <10 µm. Alternatively, a very different mechanism may be involved in which neuronal synthesis, axonal transport, and insertion of Na+ channels are directed by an unknown signal primarily to these early nodal gaps. This would be a continuous, as opposed to a sequential, system.

The idea that Schwann cell processes induce aggregation of existing axolemmal Na+ channels is supported by experiments on remyelinating nerve. Dugandzija-Novakovic et al. (1995) demyelinated sciatic nerves with lysolecithin in vivo and allowed them to recover. As proliferating Schwann cells adhered to demyelinated segments and extended processes, Na+ channel clusters formed at their edges. When these glial processes grew longitudinally, the channel aggregates seemed to move with them, remaining always at their edges. Clusters associated with neighboring Schwann cells then seemed to fuse, forming binary structures similar to those seen here. Broad clusters were seen but were interpreted to represent a later stage, after fusion. In remyelination, as in development, block of Schwann cell proliferation with mitomycin prevented channel aggregation. Thus, the basic mechanism for Na+ channel clustering seems to be similar in both developing and remyelinating axons.

Our results are supported by previous studies on nodal differentiation that identified Na+ channels by less specific morphological criteria. Wiley-Livingston and Ellisman (1980) studied freeze-fracture replicas of spinal roots over the same time period examined here. They found evidence for patches of 7.5-15 nm particles in the axolemma after day P0. These patches were usually adjacent to Schwann cells that had ensheathed the axon with only a few wraps and without evidence for compact myelin. The freeze-fracture particles seen in these studies are believed to represent Na+ channels. Tao-Cheng and Rosenbluth (1983) also found clusters of large axolemmal E-face particles in freeze-fracture replicas of developing rat sciatic nerve. Some of these structures were observed to contain two regions of high particle density and were therefore similar to what we term a binary aggregate. At node-like specializations, longitudinal thin sections showed subaxolemmal undercoatings extending for 0.5-3 µm, a length corresponding to the most focal Na+ channel clusters presented here. Thus, both the timing and organization of these particle clusters correspond closely with our immunofluorescence localization of Na+ channels. More recently, Lambert et al. (1995), using immunocytochemistry, found clustering of ankyrin and Na+ channels at the ends of Schwann cell/myelin processes in developing axons.

We noted earlier that, whereas gaps between Na+ channel clusters and Schwann cell processes were rare and might result from tissue manipulation, they could not be ruled out entirely. Tao-Cheng and Rosenbluth (1983) found particle patches and specializations of the subadjacent cytoplasm exclusively in regions bordering Schwann cell processes. On the other hand, Wiley-Livingston and Ellisman (1980) noted infrequent instances of axonal particle patches that seemed to be isolated and not in close association with a Schwann cell. Furthermore, Waxman and Foster (1980) found small gaps between ferric ion-ferrocyanide-stained regions and mature paranodal junctions in day P3 rat spinal roots. This procedure stains zones known to contain high Na+ channel concentrations. Thus, whereas in the great majority of cases Na+ channel aggregation occurs in close proximity to Schwann cell processes, the possibility of clustering at significant distances in rare cases remains.

Schwann cell differentiation is marked by a transition in the expression of adhesion molecules (Martini and Schachner, 1986). Of particular importance here, MAG expression is delayed until Schwann cells have reached a 1:1 relation with axons and are at an early stage of ensheathment (~1.5 wraps) (Martini and Schachner, 1986). Martini and Schachner (1986) also found that the distribution of MAG within mouse Schwann cells was not static during postnatal development. By the time of myelin compaction, MAG was restricted to paranodal loops, periaxonal regions, mesaxons, and Schmidt-Lanterman incisures. We found that Na+ channel clustering took place only after up-regulation of MAG expression but before its redistribution. Further, at days P0 and P1 there is a delay between the expression of MAG and Na+ channel clustering. This may be attributable to the possibility noted above that the Na+ channel density at this time is below the minimum required for immunofluorescence detection. Alternatively, a Schwann cell signal for axonal channel clustering may be distinct from MAG but develop only after MAG expression. MAG-deficient knock-out mice have only minimal structural abnormalities until ~8 months of age, when they show both axonal and myelin degeneration (Li et al., 1994; Montag et al., 1994; Fruttiger et al., 1995). We have found that node formation in MAG-/- mice is delayed at most 1 d when compared with MAG+/+ controls (our unpublished data). Thus, MAG itself is not likely to represent an essential signal, but its correlation with Na+ channel clustering suggests that Schwann cells must reach this particular developmental state to be effective.

The glial-neuronal interaction involved in myelination during development is highly complex. We have demonstrated here an additional component to this process by showing that Schwann cells influence the clustering of Na+ channels in the axolemma that is essential for node of Ranvier formation. At birth, Na+ channel aggregates and presumptive nodes in rat sciatic fibers are virtually absent. By the end of the first postnatal week, almost all axons have a full complement of new nodes of Ranvier with highly focal Na+ channel clusters. We have defined the developmental stage at which Schwann cells induce channel aggregation, although the molecular signals that are responsible remain unknown.

FOOTNOTES

Received Feb. 5, 1996; revised May 16, 1996; accepted May 23, 1996.

  

This work was supported by Grants NS15879 and NS17965 from National Institutes of Health, Grant RG-2687 and postdoctoral fellowship FA-1169 from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Lucille P. Markey Charitable Trust Award to the University of Rochester. We thank Ellen Brunschweiger for expert technical assistance.

Correspondence should be addressed to Dr. Peter Shrager, Department of Physiology, Box 642, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642.


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