Differential neurogenesis in the adult rat dentate gyrus
Date
2008
Authors
Melvin, Neal
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2008
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is a fundamental feature of mammalian nervous systems.
Curiously, neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus is typically regarded as homogenous. This
thesis challenges that view, and reports the discovery and characterization of a novel
region of the dentate gyrus that consistently lacks basal neurogenesis. We demonstrate
that this area, referred to as the neurogenically quiescent zone, represents approximately
1.5% of the total volume of the dentate gyrus, and that its location is invariant among
animals. This region contains several critical cell types and molecular factors that are
known to be critical to the neurogenic niche, including stem cells. We also present data
that attempt to conceptualize the existence of this region in the context of early agerelated
declines in neurogenesis. Finally, we demonstrate that, under some behavioural
conditions, neurogenesis can be induced in this region, suggesting that, under basal
conditions, it may simply lack the presence of pro-neurogenic factors.
Description
xvi, 125 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Dissertations, Academic , Developmental neurobiology , Dentate gyrus , Brain -- Research , Rats as laboratory animals , Hippocampus (Brain)