Regeneration of a germinal layer in the adult mammalian brain

Abstract

Neuronal precursors reside in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of adult mammals. This region is composed of a network of chains of migrating neuroblasts ensheathed by astrocytes and juxtaposed by clusters of immature precursors (type C cells). Here we show that after antimitotic treatment with cytosine-beta-D-arabinofuranoside, neuroblasts and type C cells are eliminated but some astrocytes remain. Remarkably, the SVZ network rapidly regenerates. Soon after cytosine-beta-D-arabinofuranoside treatment astrocytes divide. Two days later, type C cells reappear, followed at 4.5 days by migrating neuroblasts. By 10 days the SVZ network is fully regenerated, and the orientation and organization of chains of migrating neuroblasts resemble that of normal mice. This regeneration reveals an unexpected plasticity in the adult central nervous system and should provide a model system to study the early stages of neurogenesis in the adult brain.