Mathematical modelling of remyelination: Astrocytes as moving boundary conditions

Abstract

Astrocytes play an important role in remyelination. Normally, they mediate an appropriate environment for oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) to migrate to the damaged region and differentiate into new myelin sheaths. However, it is reported that they can be harmful in some conditions. Astrocytes secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors which are essential for recruiting OPCs to the damaged oligodendrocytes. However their accumulation around the lesion and creating glial scar can impede recruitment of OPCs by obstructing their path. In this work we investigate the role of astrocytes in recruitment phase of remyelination using a new mathematical model. We introduce a new techn..