Neuronal precursors reside in the subven- tricular zone (SVZ) of adult mammals. This region is com- posed of a network of chains of migrating neuroblasts en- sheathed by astrocytes and juxtaposed by clusters of imma- ture precursors (type C cells). Here we show that after antimitotic treatment with cytosine-#BETA#-D-arabinofuranoside, neuroblasts and type C cells are eliminated but some astro- cytes remain. Remarkably, the SVZ network rapidly regener- ates. Soon after cytosine-#beta#-D-arabinofuranoside treatment astrocytes divide. Two days later, type C cells reappear, followed at 4.5 days by migrating neuroblasts. By 10 days the SVZ network is fully regenerated, and the orientation and organization of chains of migrating neuroblasts resemble that of normal mice. This regeneration reveals an unexpected plasticity in the adult central nervous system and should provide a model system to study the early stages of neuro- genesis in the adult brain.
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