Regulation of gene expression in the postnatally developing monkey hippocampal formation

The hippocampus is part of a brain network essential for memory function. Paradoxically, the hippocampus is also the brain structure that is most sensitive to hypoxic-ischemic episodes. Here we show that the expression of genes associated with glycolysis and glutamate metabolism in astrocytes and the coverage of excitatory synapses by astrocytic processes undergo significant decreases in the CA1 field of the monkey hippocampus during postnatal development. Given the established role of astrocytes in the regulation of glutamate concentration in the synaptic cleft, our findings indicate that a developmental decrease in astrocytic processes underlies the selective vulnerability of CA1 during hypoxic-ischemic episodes in adulthood, its decreased susceptibility to febrile seizures with age, as well as contribute to the emergence of selective, adult-like memory function.

80

Lavenex P, Sugden SG, Davis RR, Gregg JP, Lavenex PB