New GABAergic interneurons supported by myelin-specific T cells are formed in intact adult spinal cord

Stem Cells. 2007 Sep;25(9):2277-82. doi: 10.1634/stemcells.2006-0705. Epub 2007 May 31.

Abstract

Neural stem/progenitor cells are known to exist in the intact spinal cord, but the presence of newly formed neurons during adulthood has not been documented there to date. Here, we report the appearance of newly formed neurons under normal physiological conditions. These neurons are immature, express a GABAergic phenotype, and are primarily located in the dorsal part of the spinal cord. This localization appeared to be mediated by stromal-derived factor-1/CXC-chemokine receptor-4 signaling in the dorsal region. The extent of spinal cord neurogenesis was found to be greatly influenced by immune system integrity and in particular by myelin-specific T cells. These observations provide evidence for in vivo spinal cord neurogenesis under nonpathological conditions and introduce novel mechanisms regulating adult spinal cord plasticity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult Stem Cells / cytology
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Doublecortin Domain Proteins
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, SCID
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Myelin Sheath / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism
  • Spinal Cord / cytology*
  • Spinal Cord / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism*

Substances

  • Doublecortin Domain Proteins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Neuropeptides
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid