The Interplay between Reproductive Social Stimuli and Adult Olfactory Bulb Neurogenesis

Figure 4

The double effect of social/reproductive stimuli on adult neurogenesis. Reproductive social stimuli positively influence adult neurogenesis by increasing the rate of proliferation of progenitor cells located in the adult germinative niches. This effect, which appears mediated by hormones and/or neurotransmitters released during intersexual and/or parent-offspring interaction, provides a reservoir of newborn neurons that after 2 weeks can be potentially involved in the regulation of parental behaviors. In parallel, socially relevant chemical cues (such as those conveyed by urine) also affect the integration/survival of newborn neurons already settled in the target region (e.g., AOB) during their critical time-window of selection. These additional newborn neurons are rapidly involved in mechanisms of individual discrimination/recognition and play a role in the mate pheromonal imprinting in the AOB of female mice, which is important to avoid pregnancy block. Thus, the positive effect exerted by reproductive social stimuli on AN seems directed to maximize the animal fitness.