Activation of AMPA and kainate receptors induces ROS generation and loss of mitochondrial potential, which are attenuated in Bax^−/− oligodendrocytes. A, B, Oligodendrocytes were exposed to the agonists, AMPA or kainate (KA), for 15 min; and ROS generation was determined immediately afterward using the dye DCFDA (20 μm) (A), and mitochondrial membrane potential was quantified by fluorimetry at different times by loading cells with the dye JC-1 (3 μm) (B). Levels of ROS and mitochondrial depolarization were attenuated in oligodendrocytes derived from Bax-null mice, compared with cells obtained of wild-type animals (*p < 0.05).