Figure 6. Age-dependent decline in SGZ apoptosis.
(A) Photomicrographs of the hippocampal sections obtained from 1, 2, 5, and 12 m.o. mouse demonstrate the decline in the number of NBs (PSA-NCAM+) and the number of apoptotic profiles, identified by nuclear morphology (pyknosis) and phagocytosis by microglia (Iba1+), pointed by arrows. Numbered insights represent higher magnification of the identified apoptotic cells.
(B) Quantification of the number of apoptotic cells in the SGZ during adulthood. The number of SGZ apoptotic cells decreases sharply after 1 month of age.
(C) Quantification of the Ph-index. The microglial phagocytic efficiency remains constant throughout adulthood.
Scale bars; low magnification, 50μm (z=16.24μm); high magnification, 10μm. Bars represent mean ± SEM.