Abstract 70: Neurogenesis in the Pediatric Brain Following Ischemic Stroke: a Potential Target for Endogenous Regeneration and Repair

Introduction: Following stroke, neurons are seriously damaged or die, impairing local brain function and contributing to long-term disability. Mounting evidence suggests that stroke recovery in children is enhanced compared to adults. Neurogenesis, a process involving the generation of functionally integrated neurons from progenitor cells, may play a role in enhanced plasticity and neuronal repair. Stroke-induced neurogenesis in adults involves massive proliferation and migration of newborn neurons, however these newborn neurons go on to die, never repopulating areas of damage. We tested the hypothesis that neurogenesis in the young brain effectively repopulates injured regions following ischemia. Methods: Stroke was induced in adult (2-3 mo, n=21) and pediatric (P20-25, n=21) mice by 45-min right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was injected on days 3 and 4, and mice sacrificed at 24 hr, 7 d or 30 d after recovery from MCAo. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess ce...