Figure 4.

Proliferation is reduced in neonatal striatum of Tat-transgenic mice. HIV-1 Tat_1-86 was induced via DOX delivered through placenta and lactation (A, B). All dams received chow containing DOX; Tat mRNA transcription was detected by RT-PCR in cortex and striatum of 7 d Tat⁺ pups (C). 12 d Tat induction and 4 d of s.c. morphine injections significantly reduced proliferation (BrdU⁺ cells) overall, and in both Sox2⁺ and Olig2⁺ cells. Additive effects of Tat and morphine were observed in Sox2⁺/BrdU⁺ cells and in the overall BrdU⁺ population (D, * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01; § p < 0.05, Tat⁻ vs. all other groups, Duncan’s post-hoc test, n = 6–8). Changes in progenitor proliferation appear to affect overall populations of Sox2⁺ and Olig2⁺ cells in the neonatal striatum (E, * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01 vs. Tat⁻, One-way ANOVA, Duncan’s post-hoc test, n = 6–8; Δ p < 0.01, main effect Tat⁻ vs Tat⁺, n =6–8).