Metabolic activation of the subependymal zone after cortical injury

THE subependymal zone (SEZ) of the adult mammalian forebrain contains a pop ulation of progenitor cells that proliferate in response to brain injury. T his study examined the effect of cortical injury on metabolic activity in t he SEZ using quantitative histochemistry of cytochrome oxidase. The SEZ sho wed significantly enhanced cytochrome oxidase activity in rats with electro lytic cortical injuries relative to sham-operated controls, while other bra in regions showed no such changes. The results indicate that the SEZ had in creased oxidative energy demands, and thus provide metabolic evidence that SEZ cells are activated in response to brain injury. (C) 1999 Lippincott Wi lliams & Wilkins.