The Age of Human Cerebral Cortex Neurons
The traditional static view of the adult mammalian brain has been challenged by the realization of continuous generation of neurons from stem cells. Based mainly on studies in experimental animals, adult neurogenesis may contribute to recovery after brain insults and decreased neurogenesis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric diseases in man. The extent of neurogenesis in the adult human brain has, however, been difficult to establish. We have taken advantage of the integration of {sup 14}C, generated by nuclear bomb tests during the Cold War, in DNA to establish the age of neurons in the major areas of the human cerebral cortex. Together with the analysis of the cortex from patients who received BrdU, which integrates in the DNA of dividing cells, our results demonstrate that whereas non-neuronal cells turn over, neurons in the human cerebral cortex are not generated postnatally at detectable levels, but are as old as the individual.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 897939
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JRNL-220450; TRN: US200706%%137
- Journal Information:
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 103, no. 33, August 15, 2006, pp. 12564-12568, Journal Name: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 103, no. 33, August 15, 2006, pp. 12564-12568
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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