New Cells of the Adult Brain and the Regulation of Social Behavior

Abstract

Studies of neural stem cells (NSCs) made substantial adjustments to the basic knowledge of brain development and function. Neurons transformed from NSCs are necessary participants in many physiological processes of the adult brain. The level of neurogenesis, its dynamics, and the number of emerging cells increase with memory stimulation, cognitive processes, social adaptation, reproductive function, and protection from stress. The article considers examples of how experience in communication with an environment of enriched informational background stimulates the formation of new neurons. The analysis makes it possible to consider neurogenesis as a new mechanism to maintain the adaptive plasticity of the adult brain.