In the adult brain, neural stem cells have been found in two major niches: the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone [corrected]. Neurons derived from these stem cells contribute to learning, memory, and the autonomous repair of the brain under pathological conditions. Hence, the physiology of adult neural stem cells has become a significant component of research on synaptic plasticity and neuronal disorders. In addition, the recently developed induced pluripotent stem cell technique provides a powerful tool for researchers engaged in the pathological and pharmacological study of neuronal disorders. In this review, we briefly summarize the research progress in neural stem cells in the adult brain and in the neuropathological application of the induced pluripotent stem cell technique.
Hippocampus ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Models, Biological ; Neural Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; transplantation ; Neurodegenerative Diseases ; metabolism ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Neurogenesis ; Signal Transduction

OBJECTIVETo develop a quantitative method for determination of zizybeoside II in Ziziphus jujuba.

METHODThe samples were separated at 30 degrees C on a Zorbax SB-C18 column eluted with methanol-water (20 : 80) as the mobile phase. Flow rate was set at 1.0 mL x min(-1) and the detection wavelength was set at 210 nm.

RESULTThe calibration curve was linear within the range from 0.046 to 0.582 microg (r = 0.999 9) and the average recovery was 97.2%. 12 batches of the crude drugs purchased from different areas were determined and the contents of zizybeoside II in Fructus Jujubae were fluctuated from 0.013% to 0.041%.

CONCLUSIONThe method is simple, repeatable and could be used for the quality control of Z. jujuba.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Saponins ; analysis ; Ziziphus ; chemistry

Malfunction of the ventral subiculum (vSub), the main subregion controlling the output connections from the hippocampus, is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). Although the vSub receives cholinergic innervation from the medial septum and diagonal band of Broca (MSDB), whether and how the MSDB-to-vSub cholinergic circuit is involved in MDD is elusive. Here, we found that chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depression-like behaviors with hyperactivation of vSub neurons, measured by c-fos staining and whole-cell patch-clamp recording. By retrograde and anterograde tracing, we confirmed the dense MSDB cholinergic innervation of the vSub. In addition, transient restraint stress in CUMS increased the level of ACh in the vSub. Furthermore, chemogenetic stimulation of this MSDB-vSub innervation in ChAT-Cre mice induced hyperactivation of vSub pyramidal neurons along with depression-like behaviors; and local infusion of atropine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, into the vSub attenuated the depression-like behaviors induced by chemogenetic stimulation of this pathway and CUMS. Together, these findings suggest that activating the MSDB-vSub cholinergic pathway induces hyperactivation of vSub pyramidal neurons and depression-like behaviors, revealing a novel circuit underlying vSub pyramidal neuronal hyperactivation and its associated depression.
Rats ; Mice ; Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Depressive Disorder, Major/metabolism* ; Basal Forebrain ; Depression ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Cholinergic Agents