Basel researchers discover new olfactory neurons: Pregnancy changes the brain

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A study by researchers at the University of Basel, published Thursday evening in the journal “Science,” showed that additional neurons disappear again a few weeks after birth. Recognizing cubs by scent allows mothers to raise their own cubs.

The Basel research team discovered that during pregnancy, certain pools of stem cells are created in the brain, some of which are normally in a kind of dormant state. This allows new neurons to form in the olfactory bulb, a region of the brain that processes information about smells. Different stem cell pools are stimulated in waves and at different times throughout pregnancy.

Are there restructuring processes among fathers as well?

The study examined the brains of mice. However, according to the statement made by the University of Basel, stem cells are also found in the same part of the brain in humans. However, starting in early infancy, these no longer form neurons for the olfactory bulb.

Because some women report changes in their sense of smell during pregnancy, the study’s lead author, Zayna Chaker, suspects that similar processes may occur in the human brain as well as in mice. “Here too, pregnancy can awaken the stem cells from the state of change,” Chaker was quoted as saying in his statement.

As the University of Basel announced, researchers now plan to conduct further studies to investigate which signals trigger the recruitment of stem cells and the formation of new nerve cells during pregnancy. In addition, it remains to be clarified why and how the newly formed nerve cells in the olfactory bulb are re-disintegrated and whether similar restructuring processes occur in the brains of the expectant fathers. (SDA)

Source : Blick