LTP induction within a narrow critical period of immature stages enhances the survival of newly generated neurons in the adult rat dentate gyrus

Mol Brain. 2010 Apr 28:3:13. doi: 10.1186/1756-6606-3-13.

Abstract

Neurogenesis occurs in the adult hippocampus of various animal species. A substantial fraction of newly generated neurons die before they mature, and the survival rate of new neurons are regulated in an experience-dependent manner. Previous study showed that high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of perforant path fibers to the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) induces the long-term potentiation (LTP) in the DG, and enhances the survival of newly generated neurons in the DG. In this study, we addressed whether a time period exists during which the survival of new neurons is maximally sensitive to the HFS. We found that the enhancement of cell survival by HFS was exclusively restricted to the specific narrow period during immature stages of new neurons (7-10 days after birth). Furthermore, the pharmacological blockade of LTP induction suppressed the enhancement of cell survival by the HFS. These results suggest that the LTP induction within a narrow critical period of immature stages enhances the survival of newly generated neurons in rat DG.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival*
  • Critical Period, Psychological*
  • Dentate Gyrus* / cytology
  • Dentate Gyrus* / physiology
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Long-Term Potentiation / physiology*
  • Male
  • Neurogenesis
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Time Factors