Sexually dimorphic neurogenesis is topographically matched with the anterior accessory olfactory bulb of the adult rat

Cell Tissue Res. 2001 Dec;306(3):385-9. doi: 10.1007/s00441-001-0471-1. Epub 2001 Oct 10.

Abstract

The accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) is a sexually dimorphic structure of the vomeronasal system, which plays a role in the control of sexual behaviors. In adult rats, we have demonstrated previously that the migrating neuroblasts of the subependymal layer (SEL) directed to the main olfactory bulb (MOB) also reach the AOB. To tackle the relation between sexual dimorphism and targeted cell migration, we quantified the neo-neurogenesis in the AOB of adult rats of both sexes. Our results confirm a morphological sexual dimorphism in the AOB granular layer volumes. We showed that the number of newly generated cells reaching the AOB in both sexes was considerable, even if lower than those directed to the MOB. Moreover, we demonstrated that the rate of neurogenesis in the anterior AOB of the two sexes was significantly different.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Antimetabolites / analysis
  • Antimetabolites / pharmacology
  • Bromodeoxyuridine / analysis
  • Bromodeoxyuridine / pharmacology
  • Cell Count
  • Cell Division / physiology
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Cell Nucleus / chemistry
  • Ependyma / cytology
  • Female
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Neurons / chemistry
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Olfactory Bulb / cytology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Sex Characteristics*

Substances

  • Antimetabolites
  • Bromodeoxyuridine