GDNF and GFRα1 Are Required for Proper Integration of Adult-Born Hippocampal Neurons.

The glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is required for the survival and differentiation of diverse neuronal populations during nervous system development. Despite the high expression of GDNF and its receptor GFRα1 in the adult hippocampus, the functional role of this system remains unknown. Here, we show that GDNF, acting through its GFRα1 receptor, controls dendritic structure and spine density of adult-born granule cells, which reveals that GFRα1 is required for their integration into preexisting circuits.

Glatiramer acetate reverts stress-induced alterations on adult neurogenesis and behavior. Involvement of Th1/Th2 balance.

Long-term exposure to stressful situations has deleterious effects on adult neurogenesis, behavior, and the immune system. We have previously shown that stressed BALB/c mice show poor learning performance, which correlates with an increase in the T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2) cytokine balance. Glatiramer acetate (GA) can stimulate autoreactive T cells.