Fig. 4: Oligodendrocyte involvement in short-term memory, long-term memory, and memory consolidation.
From: Oligodendroglia are emerging players in several forms of learning and memory
The distinguishing factor between short- and long-term memory is the necessity of protein synthesis for long-term memory. Oligodendrocytes participate in short-term memory via changes in pre-existing myelin and through non-myelinating functions of oligodendroglial cells rather than formation of new myelin. Non-myelinating functions of OL and OPCs includes control of extracellular K+ concentration and regulating levels of neurotransmitters such as glutamate, essential for LTP and LTD. These changes affect axon excitability, and do not require protein synthesis. Activity-dependent initiation of myelination requires local protein synthesis (of myelin basic protein), indicating involvement of new myelin in long-term memory. Formation of new myelin and remodeling of mature myelin alter information processing and contributes to long-term memory. OPCs proliferate and differentiate into mature myelinating oligodendrocytes leading to new myelin sheath formation that contribute to remote memory consolidation by enhancing coupling among distance brain regions and within local circuits by optimizing spike time arrival and neural oscillations.
