Abstract
Neuronal stem and progenitor cells exist in the spinal cord of sexually mature mammals. Ohay play an important role during repaining processes after in- jury, but their proliferation and differentiation are limited. In the present study we used the proliferative marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) for a short (2 h) and three longer survival periods (2, 5 and 10 weeks) to investigate the quantity, topography and fate of de novo generated cells in intact spinal cord of adult pri- mates (macaque monkeys). We applied as well single or in combinations markers for mesenchymal cells or/ and neuronal stem/progenitor cells to demonstrate the phenotype of the proliferating cells. We found that af- ter the short period of BrdU application (2 h) the num- ber of BrdU+ cells is significantly elevated only in the cervical segments. Most of the cells in the ependymal layer are immunopositive for Vimentin or/and Nestin. This is an indice for their cellular belonging. A con- siderable number of Vimentin+ cells of the ependy- mal layer form long characteristic processes directed to underlying blood capillaries. Ohis indicates their participation as a component of the ependymal cellu- lar niche. The presence of BrdU+/Nestin+ cells in the central canal surrounding zone confirms the existence of dividing neuronal stem/progenitor cells cells in the spinal cord of adult primates.
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