Hippocampus growth, or neurogenesis, refers to the proliferation and integration of new neurons within the hippocampus, a critical brain region for memory consolidation, learning, and emotional regulation. This process is profoundly sensitive to circulating hormones and neurotrophic factors, making it a key indicator of neuroendocrine health. Chronic stress, characterized by elevated glucocorticoids, can suppress neurogenesis, while physical activity and certain hormonal balances can promote it, directly influencing cognitive longevity and emotional resilience.
Origin
The term is rooted in neuroscience, specifically the discovery of adult neurogenesis in the mammalian brain, challenging the long-held dogma that the adult brain was incapable of generating new neurons. Its clinical relevance has expanded through endocrinology, linking the dynamic structural plasticity of the hippocampus to the ebb and flow of systemic hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This highlights the deep interconnectedness of the endocrine and central nervous systems.
Mechanism
Hippocampus growth is primarily regulated by the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein whose expression is significantly modulated by exercise, dietary factors, and specific hormone receptor activation. Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone bind to their respective receptors in hippocampal cells, stimulating gene transcription that supports neuronal survival and differentiation. The mechanism thus involves a cascade where systemic endocrine signals translate into localized structural changes, enhancing the capacity for memory and stress adaptation.
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