Expression of retinoid X receptor beta is induced in astrocytes during corpus callosum demyelination

► Cuprizone-induced demyelination of CNS fiber tracts leads to a local induction of the retinoic acid synthesizing enzyme RALDH-1. ► CNS demyelination is associated with increased immune reactivity of the nuclear retinoid receptors RXRβ and RARα. ► Within the demyelinating fiber tracts the increased expression of RXRβ protein is located in astrocytes. ► Concomitant changes of other nuclear receptors suggest a participation of NR/RXR signaling in the endogenous response to white matter damage.