Abstract
Multipotent neural stem-like cells (NSCs) obtained from one brain region and transplanted to another region appear to differentiate into neuronal and glial phenotypes indigenous to the implantation site. Whether these donor-derived cells are appropriately integrated remains unanswered. In order to test this possibility, we exploited the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, site of a known circadian clock, as a novel engraftment target. When a clone of NSCs initially derived from neonatal mouse cerebellum was transplanted into mouse embryos, the cells incorporated within the SCN over a narrow gestational window that corresponded to the conclusion of SCN neurogenesis. Immunocytochemical staining suggested that donor-derived cells in the SCN synthesized a peptide neurotransmitter (arginine vasopressin) characteristic of SCN neurons. Donor-derived SCN cells reacted to light pulses by expressing immunoreactive c-Fos protein in a pattern that is appropriate for native SCN cells. This region-specific and physiologically appropriate response to the natural stimulation of a remote sensory input implies that donor-derived and endogenous cells formed true SCN chimeras, suggesting that exogenous NSCs engrafted to ectopic locations can integrate in a meaningful fashion.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 162-168 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Experimental Neurology |
Volume | 174 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2002 |
Keywords
- Circadian rhythms
- Neural stern cells
- Neurogenesis
- Suprachiasmatic nucleus
- Transplantation
- c-Fos
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neurology
- Developmental Neuroscience