[Abstract Title]. - Society for Neuroscience

proliferation and differentiation of RG-like cells in the dentate gyrus. In the present study, we
addressed the question whether RG-like cells in the DG are functionally coupled and if so, which
connexins might form gap junctions in these precursor cells. In a second step we investigated
proliferation and neurogenesis in the adult dentate gyrus following deletion of connexin
expression in RG-like cells. Combining patch-clamp techniques with different molecular genetic
approaches, we demonstrate that a subpopulation of RG-like cells in the DG is coupled through
gap junctions and predominantly expresses connexin 43 (Cx43) and connexin 30 (Cx30). We
further provide evidence that the deletion of connexin expression in RG-like cells leads to a
significant decrease of proliferation and neurogenesis in the adult DG.
Supported by DFG (SFB/TR3, SE 774/3) and EC (FP7-202167)
Disclosures: A. Kunze , None; M.R. Congreso, None; C. Hartmann, None; A. Wallraff-
Beck, None; K. Huettmann, None; P. Bedner, None; G. Seifert, None; R. Requardt, None; C.
Redecker, None; M. Theis, None; K. Willecke, None; C. Steinhaeuser, None.
Poster
229. Neuronal and Glial Proliferation III
Time: Sunday, November 16, 2008, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Program#/Poster#: 229.14/A14
Topic: A.02.a. Proliferation
Support: NIH RO1 MH67157
NSF IBN 0344448
Title: Adult neurogenesis in the crustacean brain: Influences of serotonin and lithium on the
neurogenic niche, migratory streams, and proliferation zones
Authors: *J. L. BENTON, C. R. KIRKHART, B. S. BELTZ;
Neurosci. Program, Wellesley Col., Wellesley, MA
Abstract: New neurons are incorporated into the adult brains of a variety of organisms, from
humans and higher vertebrates, to non-vertebrates such as crustaceans. In virtually all of these
systems serotonergic pathways appear to provide important regulatory influences over the
machinery producing the new neurons. Serotonergic pathways have also been implicated in the
mechanisms of action of lithium, which is known to increase brain levels of tryptophan, a
precursor of serotonin. In the present studies we have examined the influences of serotonin and
lithium on adult neurogenesis in the crustacean brain, where the neurogenic cellular lineage has
been identified. Adult neurogenesis in decapod species begins with precursors that reside in a