Activation of endogenous neurogenesis has therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative conditions. Walker et al. found that neurospheres of latent precursor cells derived from adult mouse hippocampus increased in number by 50% following exposure to the peptide hormone prolactin (PRL). Conversely, PRL-null mice had fewer hippocampal-derived neurospheres and showed learning and memory deficits, suggesting a link between the influence of PRL on cell proliferation and behaviour.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Walker, T. L. et al. Prolactin stimulates precursor cells in the adult mouse hippocampus. PLoS ONE 7, e44371 (2012)
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Lewis, S. Prolactin unlocks stem cell latency. Nat Rev Neurosci 13, 740 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3367
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3367