Neurogenesis associated with endothelin-induced cortical infarction in the mouse

We investigated the effect of small cortical ischemic lesions, produced by intracerebral injection of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1, on neurogenesis in the adult mouse subventricular zone. Endothelin-1 (0.5-1 microg) produced infarcts restricted to the cortex, and associated neurobehavioral deficits that largely resolved by 3 days. Bromodeoxyuridine labeling of proliferating cells in the subventricular zone was elevated by about 50% in endothelin-1-treated mice, and cells reactive for doublecortin, a marker for immature neurons, were similarly increased in number. These findings indicate that small ischemic lesions restricted to adult cerebral cortex can stimulate neuroproliferation at a distance.