Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
10:25
Time-lapse Imaging of Neuroblast Migration in Acute Slices of the Adult Mouse Forebrain
Published on: September 12, 2012
[Neuronal migration in the adult brain]
Naoko Kaneko1, Kazunobu Sawamoto
1Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8601 Japan.
Nihon Shinkei Seishin Yakurigaku Zasshi = Japanese Journal of Psychopharmacology
|June 4, 2008
Summary
Adult neurogenesis in mice involves new neuron production, migration towards the olfactory bulb, and survival influenced by cerebrospinal fluid flow. Donepezil treatment promotes survival of these new neurons, offering potential for regenerative therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Adult neurogenesis, the production of new neurons, persists in specific brain regions like the subventricular zone (SVZ).
- Newly generated neuroblasts migrate towards the olfactory bulb (OB) to differentiate into interneurons.
- Mechanisms governing neuroblast migration are complex, involving cell adhesion molecules and guidance cues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on the production, migration, and survival of adult-generated neurons in the mouse brain.
- To investigate factors influencing neuroblast migration and survival.
- To explore potential therapeutic interventions for enhancing adult neurogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent experimental studies on adult neurogenesis in mice.
- Analysis of neuroblast migration patterns in physiological and pathological conditions (focal ischemia).
- Assessment of the impact of donepezil (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) on neuroblast survival.
Main Results:
- Neuroblast migration in the SVZ is linked to cerebrospinal fluid flow driven by ependymal cilia.
- In a focal ischemia model, neuroblasts utilized blood vessels to migrate to the striatum.
- Long-term administration of donepezil significantly promoted the survival of newly generated neurons.
Conclusions:
- Adult neurogenesis is a dynamic process involving regulated production, migration, and survival of neurons.
- Cerebrospinal fluid flow and vascular networks can influence neuroblast migration.
- Enhancing neuroblast survival with agents like donepezil holds promise for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
01:30Neurulation
Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...