[Back to Number 8 ToC] [Back to Journal Contents] [Back to Biokhimiya Home page]

The Generation and Differentiation of New Neurons and the Growth and Regeneration of Axons in the Central Nervous System of Adult Mammals

V. I. Kulinsky* and L. S. Kolesnichenko

Departments of Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry, Irkutsk State Medical University, ul. Krasnoye Vosstaniye 1, Irkutsk, 664003 Russia; fax: (395) 224-0826 or 224-2056; E-mail: kulinsky@pp.irkutsk.ru

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received October 19, 1999; Revision received January 19, 2000
The generation and differentiation of new neurons persist, though to a smaller degree, in adult mammals including humans. Neurogenesis occursas following: neural stem cells --> progenitors --> precursors --> neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Axons grow and regenerate not only in the peripheral, but also in the central nervous system. These processes are regulated by neurotrophic and general cell growth factors. New facts open tempting perspectives for medicine.
KEY WORDS: new neuron generation, axon regeneration, adult brain, mammals