Evaluation of the neurogenic potential in the rat inferior colliculus from early postnatal days until adulthood

Neuronal stem cells have been recently identified in the cochlea, the cochlear nucleus and the inferior colliculus. These cells are of special interest, because they might offer the possibility of regenerating the neuronal structures after impairment of the auditory pathway. Neuronal stem cells are characterized by their ability for self-renewal and for differentiating into neuronal progenitor cells, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and neurons.

The aim of this project is to identify neuronal stem cells of the inferior colliculus of adult rats and to compare the characteristics with early postnatal animals.

Therefor a protocol for cultivating neuronal stem cells of the inferior colliculus of rats was developed. Afterwards the cells were evaluated with regard to their potential of self-renewal and differentiation using cell biological as well as molecular biological methods.

Neuronal stem cells of the inferior colliculus were identified in early postnatal and adult rats, but they differ in their characteristics. Adult stem cells show a reduced potential of self-renewal, but they differentiate comparable into neuronal progenitor cells and cells of the neuronal cell line.

The investigations revealed a lifelong persistence of neuronal stem cells in the rat inferior colliculus. The existence of these cells may contribute to a better understanding of the development and plasticity of the auditory pathway. Furthermore, these cells offer the possibility to develop therapeutic approaches for the auditory system by neuronal regeneration.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)