Abstract
Sheep have many advantages to study neurogenesis in comparison to the well-known rodent models. Their development and life expectancy are relatively long and they possess a gyrencephalic brain. Sheep are also seasonal breeders, a characteristic that allows studying the involvement of hypothalamic neurogenesis in the control of seasonal reproduction. Sheep are also able to individually recognize their conspecifics and develop selective and lasting bonds. Adult olfactory neurogenesis could be adapted to social behavior by supporting recognition of conspecifics. The present review reveals the distinctive features of the hippocampal, olfactory, and hypothalamic neurogenesis in sheep. In particular, the organization of the subventricular zone and the dynamic of neuronal maturation differs from that of rodents. In addition, we show that various physiological conditions, such as seasonal reproduction, gestation, and lactation differently modulate these three neurogenic niches. Last, we discuss recent evidence indicating that hypothalamic neurogenesis acts as an important regulator of the seasonal control of reproduction and that olfactory neurogenesis could be involved in odor processing in the context of maternal behavior.
Highlights
A majority of invertebrates and vertebrates species show a continuous addition of neurons throughout life
This review highlights sheep as an appropriate model to investigate the role of adult neurogenesis during individual recognition/discrimination and in neuroendocrine behaviors related to reproduction, further experiments are needed to explore in depth the neural circuits underlying these relationships as well as the physiological underpinnings involved
Studies performed in sheep have demonstrated the existence of neurogenic niches in the subventricular zone (SVZ), the SGZ, and the hypothalamus
Summary
A majority of invertebrates and vertebrates species show a continuous addition of neurons throughout life. Sheep is a seasonal breeder, unlike the majority of laboratory rodents, and these seasonal changes are under the control of the hypothalamic region Because this region has the capacity to produce adult-born neurons (see below), the ovine model allows one to study the role of such plasticity in the regulation of seasonal reproduction. The aim of this review is to point out recent findings on the characterization of olfactory, hippocampal, and hypothalamic neurogenic niches in sheep (Figure 1A) Their regulation by physiological status and social interactions are considered and the possible functional relevance of these different forms of adult neurogenesis is discussed in the context of seasonal regulation and social interactions
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