The Dentate Gyrus: Structure, Functions and Health Implications

The dentate gyrus (DG) is a sensitive region to brain insults due to neurogenesis. It is involved in the pathogenesis of neurological and neuropsychological disorders such as TLE, AD, MDD, PTSD, and schizophrenia. This book reviews DG structure, function, and health implications, including its development, cytoarchitectonics, and roles as a brain sensor to radiation exposure and neurological disorders.

Format: Hardback
Length: 359 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2021
Publisher: Nova Science Publishers Inc

The dentate gyrus (DG) is a highly sensitive region of the brain due to the presence of neurogenesis in its subgranular zone. As a result, it serves as a vital sensor for various brain insults, including radiation exposure, chemical and biological toxins, alcohol abuse, smoking, drug treatments, hormone imbalances, stress, pain, hypoxia, brain trauma, malnutrition, and aging. DG is also implicated in the development of numerous neurological and neuropsychological disorders, including intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), Alzheimer's disease (AD), major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia.

Over the years, extensive research has contributed to our evolving understanding of the function and physiology of the DG. While it is widely accepted that dentate granule cells are primarily responsible for executing higher brain functions such as learning and memory, there is growing evidence suggesting that glial cells, particularly microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, also play a crucial role in memory formation. Therefore, a comprehensive book that reviews DG structure, function, and health implications is urgently needed to update clinicians and researchers with the latest state-of-the-art knowledge.

In the first three chapters of this book, we will delve into the recent advancements in DG development, focusing on relevant molecular mechanisms, cytoarchitectonics, laminar and sublaminar distribution of different types of neurons and glial cells, as well as afferent and efferent connections of the DG and their neurophysiological roles. In Chapters 4 and 5, we will explore DG's role as a brain sensor to radiation exposure, reviewing both pre- and post-natal radiation-induced DG damage and cognitive impairment. Additionally, we will discuss the involvement of DG in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders.

By comprehensively examining the DG, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of its functions and potential applications in the field of neuroscience and medicine. This book will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and students interested in studying the brain and its disorders.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 157 x 232 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781685072124