Related Experiment Videos
Cell proliferation and death: morphological evidence during corticogenesis in the developing human brain
A Simonati1, C Tosati, T Rosso
1Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche e della Visione, Sezione di Clinica Neurologica, Universita' di Verona 37134 Verona, Italy. asimon@borgoroma.univr.it
Microscopy Research and Technique
|July 13, 1999
Summary
Cell proliferation and apoptosis regulate cell numbers in the developing human brain. Apoptosis was low in the telencephalon, suggesting other mechanisms control cell death during corticogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell proliferation and death are crucial for regulating cell numbers during corticogenesis.
- Understanding these processes in the human developing brain is essential for identifying developmental abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cell proliferation and apoptosis during human telencephalon and cerebellum development.
- To analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of cell division and programmed cell death in the developing human central nervous system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized histopathology and PCNA immunohistochemistry to assess cell proliferation.
- Employed the TUNEL method to detect apoptotic cells at various stages.
- Examined fetal brains from 12-24 weeks of gestation with normal neuropathological findings.
Main Results:
- High mitotic activity was observed in the ventricular zone early in gestation (12-15 weeks), followed by a sharp decline.
- Apoptotic cell numbers were consistently low in the developing telencephalon.
- No significant correlation between proliferation and cell death was found in the developing cerebellum.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis appears to play a limited role in ventricular zone cell dissolution, with other mechanisms likely involved.
- The extended cell cycle in the human CNS may increase susceptibility to DNA damage, potentially leading to lesions or malformations.