Abstract
The genesis of new cells, including neurons, in the adult human brain has not yet been demonstrated. This study was undertaken to investigate whether neurogenesis occurs in the adult human brain, in regions previously identified as neurogenic in adult rodents and monkeys. Human brain tissue was obtained postmortem from patients who had been treated with the thymidine analog, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), that labels DNA during the S phase. Using immunofluorescent labeling for BrdU and for one of the neuronal markers, NeuN, calbindin or neuron specific enolase (NSE), we demonstrate that new neurons, as defined by these markers, are generated from dividing progenitor cells in the dentate gyrus of adult humans. Our results further indicate that the human hippocampus retains its ability to generate neurons throughout life.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Animals
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Astrocytes / cytology
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Astrocytes / pathology
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Astrocytes / physiology
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Biomarkers / analysis
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Bromodeoxyuridine
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Calbindins
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DNA / biosynthesis
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Dentate Gyrus / cytology
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Dentate Gyrus / pathology
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Dentate Gyrus / physiology*
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Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / analysis
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Haplorhini
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Hippocampus / cytology
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Hippocampus / pathology
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Hippocampus / physiology*
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Humans
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Nerve Regeneration*
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / analysis
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Neurons / cytology
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Neurons / pathology
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Neurons / physiology*
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Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / analysis
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Rodentia
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S100 Calcium Binding Protein G / analysis
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Stem Cells / cytology
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Stem Cells / pathology
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Stem Cells / physiology
Substances
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Biomarkers
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Calbindins
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Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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S100 Calcium Binding Protein G
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DNA
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Phosphopyruvate Hydratase
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Bromodeoxyuridine