New neurons found in mammalian brain

TURIN, Italy, June 5 (UPI) -- Italian scientists say they have, for the first time, discovered evidence of neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons, in the cerebellum of rabbits.

The researchers at the University of Turin said their finding is the first evidence of neurogenesis in the mammalian cerebellum, and has ignited hopes that injured mammalian brains could one day be repaired.

Even more encouraging, the scientists said, is that the new cells were found growing in mature areas of the cerebellum -- a portion of the brain that controls bodily movement and knowledge of body position and orientation. That finding means stimulating the growth of the new neurons might be of greater value for the repair of injured brain tissue than stem cells.

The researchers said they are also considering the hypothesis that the neurogenesis they discovered in rabbits might well be related to the rabbits' relatively longer lifespan, compared with the lifespan of rodents, their close relatives. This authors say that hypothesis could create new areas of research concerning neurogenesis in the human brain.

The research is reported in the online journal PLoS One.