Neurogenesis in stroke and epilepsy

Ischemic and epileptic insults promote neurogenesis from neural stem cells located in the dentate subgranular zone and in the subventricular zone lining the lateral ventricles. These findings raise the possibility that the adult brain tries to use its own stem cells to repair itself. New neurons generated by ischemic insults have now been shown to migrate from the subventricular zone and posterior periventricle to the damaged striatum and CA1 region, respectively. Here they express morphological markers characteristic of those neurons that have died, and some evidence indicates that these neurons can re-establish connections. However, we still lack much information about the regulation of insult-induced neurogenesis and its behavioral consequences. The new neurons may contribute to functional recovery but have also been suggested to be involved. in the development of epilepsy