Category
Basic
Description
Background: The hippocampus is primarily known for its function in learning and memory; thus, it makes sense that this is a well-established highly neurogenic zone. Recent studies have demonstrated that the hypothalamus also has neurogenic properties where there were once believed to be none. Because of these recent findings, our study aims to provide baseline data pertaining to rates of neurogenesis in the hypothalamus in comparison to the hippocampus along with distinguishing differences in these rates between males and females. Methods: Using four mice, three young and one aged female, we cryosectioned the brain to image the hippocampal and hypothalamic neurogenic regions including the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the periventricular nucleus, arcuate nucleus, and median eminence of the hypothalamus. For tagging, we used a Doublecortin (DCX) antibody that fluoresces at 488 nanometer (nm) wavelengths to image mitotic activity. Stained neurons were then quantified and statistically analyzed. Results: After comparing hippocampal and hypothalamic neurogenic zones between both sexes, no significant differences were seen; however, there was slightly more DCX staining within the female groups than the males. Although raw data suggested that there was more neurogenic activity within the hypothalamus, results proved to be not significant. Hypothalamic neurogenesis was shown to be significantly increased within the young mice compared to the aged, but these results might be attributed to the small sample sizes. Conclusions: The lack of sex-based differences correlates with previous literature, but the presence of neurogenic activity in the hypothalamus contributes to preliminary scientific research within this area.
Comparison of Hypothalamic and Hippocampal Neurogenesis Across Sexes and Ages of Mice
Basic
Background: The hippocampus is primarily known for its function in learning and memory; thus, it makes sense that this is a well-established highly neurogenic zone. Recent studies have demonstrated that the hypothalamus also has neurogenic properties where there were once believed to be none. Because of these recent findings, our study aims to provide baseline data pertaining to rates of neurogenesis in the hypothalamus in comparison to the hippocampus along with distinguishing differences in these rates between males and females. Methods: Using four mice, three young and one aged female, we cryosectioned the brain to image the hippocampal and hypothalamic neurogenic regions including the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the periventricular nucleus, arcuate nucleus, and median eminence of the hypothalamus. For tagging, we used a Doublecortin (DCX) antibody that fluoresces at 488 nanometer (nm) wavelengths to image mitotic activity. Stained neurons were then quantified and statistically analyzed. Results: After comparing hippocampal and hypothalamic neurogenic zones between both sexes, no significant differences were seen; however, there was slightly more DCX staining within the female groups than the males. Although raw data suggested that there was more neurogenic activity within the hypothalamus, results proved to be not significant. Hypothalamic neurogenesis was shown to be significantly increased within the young mice compared to the aged, but these results might be attributed to the small sample sizes. Conclusions: The lack of sex-based differences correlates with previous literature, but the presence of neurogenic activity in the hypothalamus contributes to preliminary scientific research within this area.
