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Generation of iPSC-derived Human Brain Organoids to Model Early Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Published on: April 14, 2017
Severe cell reduction in the future brain cortex in human growth-restricted fetuses and infants
Grethe B Samuelsen1, Bente Pakkenberg, Nenad Bogdanović
1Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. gbs@dadlnet.dk
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 10, 2007
Summary
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) significantly reduces the total number of brain cells in the developing human cortex. This condition impairs cortical growth, leading to fewer cells compared to normally developing fetuses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a significant concern in fetal development.
- Understanding the impact of IUGR on brain development is crucial for identifying long-term consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that the total cell number in the cerebral wall is comparable between fetuses with IUGR and normally grown fetuses.
- To quantify cell numbers in specific developmental zones of the fetal brain.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the optical fractionator method to estimate total cell numbers in the cerebral wall.
- Analyzed 9 severely affected IUGR fetuses and 15 control fetuses.
- Examined cell numbers across four distinct developmental zones, with gestational ages ranging from 19 to 41 weeks.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in the total cell number was observed in the future cortex of IUGR fetuses compared to controls.
- The daily proliferation rate of brain cells in the future cortex was halved in IUGR fetuses.
- No significant differences in cell numbers were found in the other three developmental zones.
Conclusions:
- Human IUGR is associated with substantial impairment of cortical development.
- A significant decrease in cell number within the future cortex is a key characteristic of IUGR.
- These findings highlight the critical impact of IUGR on brain cell proliferation and cortical formation.
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