Characterization of neural stem cells in the dorsal vagal complex of adult rat by in vivo proliferation labeling and in vitro neurosphere assay

The dorsal vagal complex, located in the brainstem, is the major integrative center of the autonomic nervous system. By combining in vivo bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and phenotypic immunolabeling, we have previously reported that neurogenesis occurs in the adult rat dorsal vagal complex [Bauer S, Hay M, Amilhon B, Jean A, Moyse E (2005) In vivo neurogenesis in the dorsal vagal complex of the adult rat brainstem. Neuroscience 130:75–90.]. In the present study we asked whether adult dorsal vagal complex contains proliferative and/or neural stem cells. Using Ki-67 immunolabeling and cyclin D1 Western blot, we showed intrinsic cell proliferation in the dorsal vagal complex and its stimulation by vagotomy. Detailed time-course analysis revealed that vagotomy-induced proliferation in the dorsal vagal complex peaked three days after lesion. In order to directly assess the presence of intrinsic stem cells, primary cell cultures from adult rat dorsal vagal complex were performed in the presence of epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor (neurosphere assay). A discrete subpopulation of dorsal vagal complex cells proliferated as neurospheres, self-renewed when passaged, and differentiated into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Proliferation and neuron-differentiating potentials of dorsal vagal complex neurospheres were both lower than those of subventricular zone neurospheres from the same rats. The relationship between in vitro neurosphere-forming cells of dorsal vagal complex and in vivo dorsal vagal complex neurogenesis is discussed and remains to be directly addressed. The present data demonstrate the occurrence of neural stem cells in the dorsal vagal complex of adult rat brain.