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Liu X, Chen J, Du Y, Tian Q, Wang L, Li W, Liu G, Tan Q, Wang J, Deng X. The changes of neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of SAMP8 mice and the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion. Brain Res 2024; 1831:148814. [PMID: 38395250 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenced by the global aging population, the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has increased sharply. In addition to increasing β-amyloid plaque deposition and tau tangle formation, neurogenesis dysfunction has recently been observed in AD. Therefore, promoting regeneration to improve neurogenesis and cognitive dysfunction can play an effective role in AD treatment. Acupuncture and moxibustion have been widely used in the clinical treatment of neurodegenerative diseases because of their outstanding advantages such as early, functional, and benign two-way adjustment. It is urgent to clarify the effectiveness, greenness, and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion in promoting neurogenesis in AD treatment. METHODS Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice at various ages were used as experimental models to simulate the pathology and behaviors of AD mice. Behavioral experiments, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and immunofluorescence experiments were used for comparison between different groups. RESULTS Acupuncture and moxibustion could increase the number of PCNA+ DCX+ cells, Nissl bodies, and mature neurons in the hippocampal Dentate gyrus (DG) of SAMP8 mice, restore the hippocampal neurogenesis, delay the AD-related pathological presentation, and improve the learning and memory abilities of SAMP8 mice. CONCLUSION The pathological process underlying AD and cognitive impairment were changed positively by improving the dysfunction of neurogenesis. This indicates the promising role of acupuncture and moxibustion in the prevention and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Liu
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China
| | - Jiangmin Chen
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China
| | - Yanjun Du
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China; Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, China; Hubei International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China.
| | - Qing Tian
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Li Wang
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China
| | - Weixian Li
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China
| | - Guangya Liu
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China
| | - Qian Tan
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China
| | - Jingzhi Wang
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China
| | - Xiaoni Deng
- Wuhan University of Bioengineering, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
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Ghibaudi M, Amenta A, Agosti M, Riva M, Graïc JM, Bifari F, Bonfanti L. Consistency and Variation in Doublecortin and Ki67 Antigen Detection in the Brain Tissue of Different Mammals, including Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2514. [PMID: 36768845 PMCID: PMC9916846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, a population of "immature" neurons generated prenatally, retaining immaturity for long periods and finally integrating in adult circuits has been described in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, comparative studies revealed differences in occurrence/rate of different forms of neurogenic plasticity across mammals, the "immature" neurons prevailing in gyrencephalic species. To extend experimentation from laboratory mice to large-brained mammals, including humans, it is important to detect cell markers of neurogenic plasticity in brain tissues obtained from different procedures (e.g., post-mortem/intraoperative specimens vs. intracardiac perfusion). This variability overlaps with species-specific differences in antigen distribution or antibody species specificity, making it difficult for proper comparison. In this work, we detect the presence of doublecortin and Ki67 antigen, markers for neuronal immaturity and cell division, in six mammals characterized by widely different brain size. We tested seven commercial antibodies in four selected brain regions known to host immature neurons (paleocortex, neocortex) and newly born neurons (hippocampus, subventricular zone). In selected human brains, we confirmed the specificity of DCX antibody by performing co-staining with fluorescent probe for DCX mRNA. Our results indicate that, in spite of various types of fixations, most differences were due to the use of different antibodies and the existence of real interspecies variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ghibaudi
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), 10043 Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Torino, Italy
| | - Alessia Amenta
- Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Miriam Agosti
- Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Riva
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Jean-Marie Graïc
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Bifari
- Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Bonfanti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), 10043 Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Torino, Italy
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3
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Porter DDL, Henry SN, Ahmed S, Rizzo AL, Makhlouf R, Gregg C, Morton PD. Neuroblast migration along cellular substrates in the developing porcine brain. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:2097-2110. [PMID: 35985331 PMCID: PMC9481921 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade it has become evident that neuroblasts continue to supply the human cortex with interneurons via unique migratory streams shortly following birth. Owing to the size of the human brain, these newborn neurons must migrate long distances through complex cellular landscapes to reach their final locations. This process is poorly understood, largely because of technical difficulties in acquiring and studying neurotypical postmortem human samples along with diverging developmental features of well-studied mouse models. We reasoned that migratory streams of neuroblasts utilize cellular substrates, such as blood vessels, to guide their trek from the subventricular zone to distant cortical targets. Here, we evaluate the association between young interneuronal migratory streams and their preferred cellular substrates in gyrencephalic piglets during the developmental equivalent of human birth, infancy, and toddlerhood. Migratory streams of neuroblasts are preserved through postnatal swine development Evidence of young neocortical interneurons within migratory streams Neuroblasts are tightly associated with vascular and astrocytic cellular substrates Harm to migratory interneurons or their substrates may have lifelong consequences
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Affiliation(s)
- Demisha D L Porter
- Virginia Tech Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, USA; Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Sara N Henry
- Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Sadia Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Amy L Rizzo
- Office of the University Veterinarian & Animal Resources, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Rita Makhlouf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Collin Gregg
- Virginia Tech Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Paul D Morton
- Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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Ghibaudi M, Bonfanti L. How Widespread Are the “Young” Neurons of the Mammalian Brain? Front Neurosci 2022; 16:918616. [PMID: 35733930 PMCID: PMC9207312 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.918616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
After the discovery of adult neurogenesis (stem cell-driven production of new neuronal elements), it is conceivable to find young, undifferentiated neurons mixed with mature neurons in the neural networks of the adult mammalian brain. This “canonical” neurogenesis is restricted to small stem cell niches persisting from embryonic germinal layers, yet, the genesis of new neurons has also been reported in various parenchymal brain regions. Whichever the process involved, several populations of “young” neurons can be found at different locations of the brain. Across the years, further complexity emerged: (i) molecules of immaturity can also be expressed by non-dividing cells born during embryogenesis, then maintaining immature features later on; (ii) remarkable interspecies differences exist concerning the types, location, amount of undifferentiated neurons; (iii) re-expression of immaturity can occur in aging (dematuration). These twists are introducing a somewhat different definition of neurogenesis than normally assumed, in which our knowledge of the “young” neurons is less sharp. In this emerging complexity, there is a need for complete mapping of the different “types” of young neurons, considering their role in postnatal development, plasticity, functioning, and interspecies differences. Several important aspects are at stake: the possible role(s) that the young neurons may play in maintaining brain efficiency and in prevention/repair of neurological disorders; nonetheless, the correct translation of results obtained from laboratory rodents. Hence, the open question is: how many types of undifferentiated neurons do exist in the brain, and how widespread are they?
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ghibaudi
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Luca Bonfanti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- *Correspondence: Luca Bonfanti,
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5
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Bonfanti L, Charvet CJ. Brain Plasticity in Humans and Model Systems: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9358. [PMID: 34502267 PMCID: PMC8431131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasticity, and in particular, neurogenesis, is a promising target to treat and prevent a wide variety of diseases (e.g., epilepsy, stroke, dementia). There are different types of plasticity, which vary with age, brain region, and species. These observations stress the importance of defining plasticity along temporal and spatial dimensions. We review recent studies focused on brain plasticity across the lifespan and in different species. One main theme to emerge from this work is that plasticity declines with age but that we have yet to map these different forms of plasticity across species. As part of this effort, we discuss our recent progress aimed to identify corresponding ages across species, and how this information can be used to map temporal variation in plasticity from model systems to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bonfanti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, TO, Italy
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Sorrells SF, Paredes MF, Velmeshev D, Herranz-Pérez V, Sandoval K, Mayer S, Chang EF, Insausti R, Kriegstein AR, Rubenstein JL, Manuel Garcia-Verdugo J, Huang EJ, Alvarez-Buylla A. Immature excitatory neurons develop during adolescence in the human amygdala. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2748. [PMID: 31227709 PMCID: PMC6588589 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10765-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human amygdala grows during childhood, and its abnormal development is linked to mood disorders. The primate amygdala contains a large population of immature neurons in the paralaminar nuclei (PL), suggesting protracted development and possibly neurogenesis. Here we studied human PL development from embryonic stages to adulthood. The PL develops next to the caudal ganglionic eminence, which generates inhibitory interneurons, yet most PL neurons express excitatory markers. In children, most PL cells are immature (DCX+PSA-NCAM+), and during adolescence many transition into mature (TBR1+VGLUT2+) neurons. Immature PL neurons persist into old age, yet local progenitor proliferation sharply decreases in infants. Using single nuclei RNA sequencing, we identify the transcriptional profile of immature excitatory neurons in the human amygdala between 4-15 years. We conclude that the human PL contains excitatory neurons that remain immature for decades, a possible substrate for persistent plasticity at the interface of the hippocampus and amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn F Sorrells
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Mercedes F Paredes
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Dmitry Velmeshev
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Vicente Herranz-Pérez
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Institute Cavanilles, University of Valencia, CIBERNED, 46980, Valencia, Spain
- Predepartamental Unit of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, 12071, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Kadellyn Sandoval
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Simone Mayer
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Edward F Chang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Ricardo Insausti
- Human Neuroanatomy Laboratory, School of Medicine and CRIB, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02006, Albacete, Spain
| | - Arnold R Kriegstein
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - John L Rubenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Rock Hall, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2324, USA
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Verdugo
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Institute Cavanilles, University of Valencia, CIBERNED, 46980, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eric J Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Arturo Alvarez-Buylla
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Ellis JK, Sorrells SF, Mikhailova S, Chavali M, Chang S, Sabeur K, Mcquillen P, Rowitch DH. Ferret brain possesses young interneuron collections equivalent to human postnatal migratory streams. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:2843-2859. [PMID: 31050805 PMCID: PMC6773523 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The human early postnatal brain contains late migratory streams of immature interneurons that are directed to cortex and other focal brain regions. However, such migration is not observed in rodent brain, and whether other small animal models capture this aspect of human brain development is unclear. Here, we investigated whether the gyrencephalic ferret cortex possesses human‐equivalent postnatal streams of doublecortin positive (DCX+) young neurons. We mapped DCX+ cells in the brains of ferrets at P20 (analogous to human term gestation), P40, P65, and P90. In addition to the rostral migratory stream, we identified three populations of young neurons with migratory morphology at P20 oriented toward: (a) prefrontal cortex, (b) dorsal posterior sigmoid gyrus, and (c) occipital lobe. These three neuronal collections were all present at P20 and became extinguished by P90 (equivalent to human postnatal age 2 years). DCX+ cells in such collections all expressed GAD67, identifying them as interneurons, and they variously expressed the subtype markers SP8 and secretagogin (SCGN). SCGN+ interneurons appeared in thick sections to be oriented from white matter toward multiple cortical regions, and persistent SCGN‐expressing cells were observed in cortex. These findings indicate that ferret is a suitable animal model to study the human‐relevant process of late postnatal cortical interneuron integration into multiple regions of cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin K Ellis
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Shawn F Sorrells
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Sasha Mikhailova
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Manideep Chavali
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Sandra Chang
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Khalida Sabeur
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Patrick Mcquillen
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - David H Rowitch
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Paediatrics and Wellcome Trust-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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8
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Augusto-Oliveira M, Arrifano GPF, Malva JO, Crespo-Lopez ME. Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Different Taxonomic Groups: Possible Functional Similarities and Striking Controversies. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020125. [PMID: 30764477 PMCID: PMC6406791 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis occurs in many species, from fish to mammals, with an apparent reduction in the number of both neurogenic zones and new neurons inserted into established circuits with increasing brain complexity. Although the absolute number of new neurons is high in some species, the ratio of these cells to those already existing in the circuit is low. Continuous replacement/addition plays a role in spatial navigation (migration) and other cognitive processes in birds and rodents, but none of the literature relates adult neurogenesis to spatial navigation and memory in primates and humans. Some models developed by computational neuroscience attribute a high weight to hippocampal adult neurogenesis in learning and memory processes, with greater relevance to pattern separation. In contrast to theories involving neurogenesis in cognitive processes, absence/rarity of neurogenesis in the hippocampus of primates and adult humans was recently suggested and is under intense debate. Although the learning process is supported by plasticity, the retention of memories requires a certain degree of consolidated circuitry structures, otherwise the consolidation process would be hampered. Here, we compare and discuss hippocampal adult neurogenesis in different species and the inherent paradoxical aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Research on Neurodegeneration and Infection, University Hospital João de Barros Barreto, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66073-005, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.
| | - Gabriela P F Arrifano
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.
| | - João O Malva
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), and Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (CNC.IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal.
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil.
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La Rosa C, Bonfanti L. Brain Plasticity in Mammals: An Example for the Role of Comparative Medicine in the Neurosciences. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:274. [PMID: 30443551 PMCID: PMC6221904 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparative medicine deals with similarities and differences between veterinary and human medicine. All mammals share most basic cellular and molecular mechanisms, thus justifying murine animal models in a translational perspective; yet “mice are not men,” thus some biases can emerge when complex biological processes are concerned. Brain plasticity is a cutting-edge, expanding topic in the field of Neurosciences with important translational implications, yet, with remarkable differences among mammals, as emerging from comparative studies. In particular, adult neurogenesis (the genesis of new neurons from brain stem cell niches) is a life-long process in laboratory rodents but a vestigial, mostly postnatal remnant in humans and dolphins. Another form of “whole cell” plasticity consisting of a population of “immature” neurons which are generated prenatally but continue to express markers of immaturity during adulthood has gained interest more recently, as a reservoir of young neurons in the adult brain. The distribution of the immature neurons also seems quite heterogeneous among different animal species, being confined within the paleocortex in rodents while extending into neocortex in other mammals. A recent study carried out in sheep, definitely showed that gyrencephalic, large-sized brains do host higher amounts of immature neurons, also involving subcortical, white, and gray matter regions. Hence, “whole cell” plasticity such as adult neurogenesis and immature neurons are biological processes which, as a whole, cannot be studied exclusively in laboratory rodents, but require investigation in comparative medicine, involving large-sized, long-living mammals, in order to gain insights for translational purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara La Rosa
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Turin, Italy.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Bonfanti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Turin, Italy.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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