Postnatal neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and subventricular zone of the Göttingen minipig

Postnatal neurogenesis is currently viewed as important for neuroplasticity and brain repair. We are, therefore, interested in animal models for neuroimaging of postnatal neurogenesis. A recent stereological study found an age-dependent increase in the number of neurons and glial cells in the neocortex of Göttingen minipigs, suggesting that this species may be characterized by a prolonged postnatal neurogenesis. Since there is no direct evidence on this issue, the goal of our study was to quantify cell proliferation in the two major neurogenic regions of the postnatal brain – the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle (SVZ) and the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) – at two separate points during the lifespan of the minipig. Göttingen minipigs aged 6–7 and 32 weeks were injected with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), a marker of cycling cells, and killed after 2 h. We found BrdU-positive cells numbering 165,000 in the SVZ and 35,000 in the DG at 6–7 weeks and 66,000 in the SVZ and 19,000 in the DG at 32 weeks-of-age. Stereology showed a 60% increase in the total number of DG granule cells between 6–7 and 32 weeks-of-age. Our findings show a continued postnatal neurogenesis in the major neurogenic regions of Göttingen minipigs, thereby providing a potential animal model for studies aimed at examining ongoing neurogenesis in the living brain with molecular neuroimaging technology.

► Postnatal neurogenesis is important for neuroplasticity and brain repair. ► The Göttingen minipig shares anatomic and physiologic characteristics with humans. ► We examine neurogenesis in the subventricular zone and dentate gyrus of the minipig. ► We find prominent proliferation potency in juvenile as well as adult animals. ► The minipig may be a good model for studying neurogenesis in adult brain disorders.