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Increasing evidence shows that neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) can be activated in the nonconventional neurogenic zones such as the cortex following ischemic stroke. However, the precise origin, identity, and subtypes of the ischemia-induced NSPCs (iNSPCs), which can contribute to cortical neurogenesis, is currently still unclear. In our present study, using an adult mouse cortical infarction model, we found that the leptomeninges (pia mater), which is widely distributed within and closely associated with blood vessels as microvascular pericytes/perivascular cells throughout central nervous system (CNS), have NSPC activity in response to ischemia and can generate neurons. These observations indicate that microvascular pericytes residing near blood vessels that are distributed from the leptomeninges to the cortex are potential sources of iNSPCs for neurogenesis following cortical infarction. In addition, our results propose a novel concept that the leptomeninges, which cover the entire brain, have an important role in CNS restoration following brain injury such as stroke.

Original publication

DOI

10.1089/scd.2011.0279

Type

Journal article

Journal

Stem Cells Dev

Publication Date

12/2011

Volume

20

Pages

2037 - 2051

Keywords

Animals, Biomarkers, Brain Infarction, Cell Proliferation, Cerebral Cortex, Intermediate Filament Proteins, Male, Mice, Microvessels, Models, Biological, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Nestin, Neural Stem Cells, Neurons, Pericytes, Pia Mater, Stroke