Features of adult neurogenesis and neurochemical signaling in the Cherry salmon Oncorhynchus masou brain

Neural Regen Res, 2013 · DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.01.002 · Published: January 1, 2013

Simple Explanation

This study examines the distribution of certain neurochemicals in the brain of the cherry salmon at different stages of life. Specifically, it looks at gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and nitric oxide. The researchers used staining techniques to identify these chemicals in different brain regions. They found that cells in the periventricular region, which can develop into neurons and glia, contained these neurochemical substances. The study also observed that the brain has a structured organization (neuromeric construction), and this is supported by the way TH and GABA are distributed.

Study Duration

From February 2009 to May 2011

Participants

20 specimens from each age bracket group: 3-month-old, 6-month-old, 1-year-old and 3-year-old mature fish

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Distribution features of nitric oxide and classical neuromediators γ-aminobutyric acid and catecholamines are closely associated with the ability of the fish brain to grow during the entire lifespan.
2
Nitric oxide and classical neuromediators γ-aminobutyric acid and catecholamines not only regulate the functional activity of neurons and modulate the synaptic transmission in mature neural networks, but also are regarded as the inductors of fish brain development (morphogenetic factors) in postembryonic ontogenesis.
3
TH-, GABA- immunoreactive and NADPH-d-positive cells are located in the PCNA-immunogenic proliferative zones. It remains unclear what kind of population (neurons, glia or radial glia) the TH-, GABA- and NADPH-d-positive cell groups used in this study in 3-year-old cherry salmon belong to.

Research Summary

The study investigated the distribution of GABA, tyrosine hydroxylase, and nitric oxide-producing elements in the brain of cherry salmon at different life stages using immunohistochemical and histochemical staining. The periventricular region cells, which exhibit the morphology of neurons and glia, including radial glia-like cells, contained several neurochemical substances. The research revealed a neuromeric construction of the brain at various stages of postnatal ontogenesis, confirmed by tyrosine hydroxylase and gamma aminobutyric acid labeling.

Practical Implications

Understanding Brain Growth

The association between nitric oxide, GABA, catecholamines, and the fish brain's growth ability can offer insights into how the brain develops and maintains itself throughout life.

Neuromediator Roles

The role of nitric oxide, GABA, and catecholamines as inductors of brain development can lead to further research into how these neuromediators can be used to influence brain development and treat related disorders.

Neuromeric Organization

Confirming the neuromeric construction of the brain and its labeling can aid in the understanding of brain organization and development, with potential implications for understanding developmental disorders.

Study Limitations

1
The study focuses solely on cherry salmon, limiting the generalizability of the findings to other species.
2
The exact cell types (neurons, glia, or radial glia) to which the TH-, GABA-, and NADPH-d-positive cell groups belong in 3-year-old cherry salmon are unclear.
3
The research relies on immunohistochemical and histochemical staining, which may have limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

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