Role of neurogenesis in stroke recovery

Title: Optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic neuronal activity in the striatum enhances neurogenesis in the subventricular zone of normal and stroke mice

Journal: Neurobiology of Disease 98 (2017) 9–24 Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969996116302650?via%3Dihub

Comments:

GABA and glutamate released in the subventricular zone (SVZ) are implicated in neurogenesis, though their source remained unclear. The authors hypothesized that glutamatergic activation in the adjacent striatum could upregulate SVZ neurogenesis in the normal and ischemic brain.

Optogenetic stimulation of striatal glutamatergic neurons in normal mice triggered glutamate release in the SVG which promoted neurogenesis mediated by AMPA receptors. In post-stroke mice, stimulation resulted in neurogenesis in the SVG and subsequent migration of neurons to the peri-infarct region. Mice also showed progressive recovery of sensorimotor function. The results of this study propose selective stimulation of the striatum as a potential regenerative therapeutic intervention for brain ischemia and other brain injuries.