Defined therapeutic strategies, often involving specific nutritional, physical, or hormonal manipulations, aimed at promoting the birth and integration of new functional neurons, primarily in the hippocampus. These protocols seek to enhance endogenous repair mechanisms within the central nervous system. Successful protocols result in measurable increases in neural progenitor cell proliferation.
Origin
This concept originates from modern neuroscience, where the discovery of adult neurogenesis challenged prior dogma regarding brain plasticity. Stimulation protocols imply an active, targeted approach to enhance this natural, albeit often limited, regenerative capacity. It moves the focus from merely preventing neuronal loss to actively promoting growth.
Mechanism
Protocols often leverage factors like BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which is sensitive to physical activity and caloric restriction. Certain gonadal steroids and thyroid hormones can directly modulate gene expression pathways critical for progenitor cell differentiation. Improving cerebral blood flow ensures adequate oxygen and substrate delivery to support the high energetic cost of synaptogenesis. These interventions collectively encourage the survival and maturation of newly formed neurons.
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