Motherhood and pregnancy have been found to cause remodeling of the brain. Researchers at the University of Basel have conducted experiments with mice and discovered that specific pools of stem cells in the adult brain are activated during pregnancy. These stem cells give rise to particular types of olfactory bulb neurons, according to a study published in Science.
In the animal kingdom, the ability to recognize offspring through smell is vital for parents to effectively care for their young. Led by Professor Fiona Doetsch, a research group at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, has demonstrated in mice that new neurons are temporarily generated in the olfactory bulb of the brain for this exact purpose. These neurons develop during pregnancy and disappear a few weeks after birth. They enable the mother to identify her own pups.
But where do these new neurons come from? Stem cells are immature cells found in specific regions of the adult brain. Doetsch’s group studies stem cells in the ventricular-subventricular zone of the adult mouse brain, which give rise to neurons that migrate to the olfactory bulb. Previous research has shown that some of these stem cells are activated by stimuli such as hunger and satiety to produce specific types of neurons. However, it was unknown whether other states activate different pools of stem cells.
In their latest study, the researchers demonstrate that pregnancy in mice leads to the synchronized activation of distinct pools of stem cells, many of which are usually inactive. This results in the formation of rarer types of neurons that are only temporarily present in the, the region of the brain responsible for processing smell information, around the time of birth. These neurons enable mothers to recognize their own pups during early motherhood.
These newly generated neurons play a crucial role in sensitizing a mother’s sense of smell for pup recognition. In humans, stem cells are also present in the same area of the brain, although they typically do not produce olfactory bulb neurons after early infancy.
Dr. Zayna Chaker, the first author of the study, notes that some women report changes in smell during pregnancy. A similar process may occur in humans, with dormant stem cells being activated in response to pregnancy.
During pregnancy, different pools of stem cells are stimulated at different times, generating temporary waves of neurons. These neurons migrate to the olfactory bulb and mature around the end of pregnancy.
The timing is precise, according to Doetsch. The new neurons are ready just in time for birth. However, they are only required temporarily and are eliminated when the pups are older and independent. The transient activation of stem cells in pregnant females prepares the brain for the specific needs of motherhood.
In future studies, Doetsch’s team aims to investigate the signals that trigger the temporary activation of stem cells and neurogenesis during pregnancy. It is also unclear why and how the newly generated neurons are removed from the olfactory bulb, which raises the question of whether expectant fathers undergo similar brain remodeling.
These findings highlight that brain plasticity is not solely dependent on modifying synaptic connections between existing neurons. The dynamic and selective activation of different pools of adult neural stem cells to form specific neuron subtypes may play a significant role in the brain’s ability to respond to various life experiences.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.