Temperature affects adult neurogenesis in the lizard brain

Postnatal and adult neurogenesis have been reported to occur in the brain of lizards. The aim of this study was to know if adult neurogenesis is a temperature-dependent process. We have shown, by using 5'-bromodeoxiuridine immunocytochemistry, that at low temperatures the number of newly generated neurones was significantly decreased (70%-90%) in several telencephalic areas of the lizard Psammodromus algirus. On the other hand, the migration process was also affected by low temperatures. This study provides evidence for a potential temperature-modulation of adult neurogenesis in lizards as it may occur during seasonal changes.