Myelin inhibitors: Does NO mean GO?

Abstract

At least three molecules that are associated with oligodendrocytic myelin act through a common transduction mechanism that causes collapse of axonal growth cones in culture. It is generally considered that this mechanism underlies the failure of regeneration of cut axons in the adult mammalian central nervous system. In this article, I review evidence that these important findings have revealed, not an inhibitory mechanism, but a vital repulsive contact-guidance mechanism, which is necessary for the growth of adult axons along myelinated tracts in vivo.