Adult neurogenesis pharmacology in neurological diseases and disorders.
With the confirmation that neurogenesis occurs in the adult brain and neural stem cells reside in the adult CNS, the focus of research has now shifted to the understanding of the function of newborn neuronal cells in the adult brain, and particularly in the pathologies of the nervous system. Neurogenesis has been reported to be modulated in a broad range of pathological conditions, including neurological diseases and disorders. More strikingly, studies have revealed that drugs currently used to treat neurological diseases and disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and depression, increase adult neurogenesis, which may mediate their activities. However, some of these studies are the source of debates and controversies, and remain to be confirmed. Hence, the role and contribution of newly generated neuronal cells in neurological diseases and disorders, as well as the effect of drugs on adult neurogenesis and its significance remain to be elucidated and understood. This shows that adult neurogenesis is not only important for our understanding of development and therapy, but also for the physiopathology of the CNS and its pharmacology.
Taupin
Philippe
P
National Neuroscience Institute; National University of Singapore; Nanyang Technological University, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore. obgpjt@nus.edu.sg
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects*; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D002491:Central Nervous System Agents