Novel Neurogenic Domain in the adult mammalian Brain

A novel stem cell niche and neural pathway system is located along the floor of the cerebral ventricles in the adult vertebrate brain. The ventricular surface constitutes a unique microenvironment distinct from other brain regions, characterized by specialized ependymal cells and a dense network of supraependymal nerve fibres. Recent evidence suggests that this region may act as an additional neurogenic domain within the adult mammalian brain. In adult rats, intraventricular cell clusters and nerve fibres were examined using correlative transmission and scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and selective neurotoxin tracing to determine their structural and chemical characteristics. Electron microscopy revealed that the supraependymal fibres exhibit catecholaminergic, cholinergic, and peptidergic features. Intraventricular administration of selective neurotoxins confirmed the serotonergic, adrenergic, and dopaminergic nature of these fibres, while immunohistochemical staining demonstrated tyrosine hydroxylase positivity in several fibres. Retrograde tracing indicated that at least some projections originate from the superior cervical ganglia. Following unilateral cervical sympathectomy, extensive axonal sprouting and neurogenesis were observed along the floor of the third ventricle, indicating a high degree of neural plasticity. Collectively, these findings reveal the presence of a complex intraventricular neural network comprising diverse supraependymal fibres and cell clusters in the adult vertebrate brain. The data suggest that the ventricular surface may serve as a previously unrecognized neurogenic and neuromodulatory interface, potentially contributing to neuronal regeneration and functional modulation within the mature central nervous system.

Prof. Thazhumpal Chacko Mathew completed his PhD from the University of Alberta, Canada in 1992 and obtained FRCPath (UK) in 2003. He had undergone a research training at the University of Lund, Sweden and also worked as Assistant Scientist at NYU, USA. In 1993 he joined the FAHS of Kuwait University. Currently he is Professor and Chairman at the FAHS, Kuwait University. Previously, he was the Vice Dean for Research at FAHS. His research interests are in neurobiology, obesity and diabetes. Prof. Mathew received several awards and published more than 80 papers and attended over 100 conferences.