Insulin-like growth factor-I and apoptosis in glial cell biology

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a potent trophic factor capable of promoting both survival and differentiation of neurons and glia. This review examines the role of IGF-I and apoptosis in oligodendrocyte and Schwann cell biology in vitro and in vivo, Apoptosis is an essential element of development, homeostasis, and disease, IGF-I protects oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells from apoptosis during development and after apoptotic stimuli. Transgenic mouse models, which ablate or increase expression of IGF-I, have abnormal oligodendrocytes and myelin formation, A more thorough understanding of the protective mechanism of IGF-I in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells will aid in its precise application in treating a variety of neurologic disorders.