Neuronal stem cells have been recently identified in the cochlea, the cochlear nucleus
and the inferior colliculus. These cells are of special interest, because they might
offer the possibility of regenerating the neuronal structures after impairment of
the auditory pathway. Neuronal stem cells are characterized by their ability for self-renewal
and for differentiating into neuronal progenitor cells, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes
and neurons.
The aim of this project is to identify neuronal stem cells of the inferior colliculus
of adult rats and to compare the characteristics with early postnatal animals.
Therefor a protocol for cultivating neuronal stem cells of the inferior colliculus
of rats was developed. Afterwards the cells were evaluated with regard to their potential
of self-renewal and differentiation using cell biological as well as molecular biological
methods.
Neuronal stem cells of the inferior colliculus were identified in early postnatal
and adult rats, but they differ in their characteristics. Adult stem cells show a
reduced potential of self-renewal, but they differentiate comparable into neuronal
progenitor cells and cells of the neuronal cell line.
The investigations revealed a lifelong persistence of neuronal stem cells in the rat
inferior colliculus. The existence of these cells may contribute to a better understanding
of the development and plasticity of the auditory pathway. Furthermore, these cells
offer the possibility to develop therapeutic approaches for the auditory system by
neuronal regeneration.
