Creating new neurons in old brains.
The brains of aged rodents exhibit decreased neurogenesis as compared to those of young adult rodents. Basal neurogenesis has previously been shown to increase in the young adult rodent brain upon the administration of growth factors. However, it is unknown whether similar treatment can affect this process in the aging brain. A recent paper published in the June 2003 issue of the journal Aging Cell reveals that two growth factors can stimulate neurogenesis in aged mice. This result raises the possibility that similar treatments may be used in humans to help maintain normal brain function in old age.
Wise
Phyllis M
PM
Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA. pmwise@ucdavis.edu
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*