Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis: One Lactate to Rule Them All

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a dynamic process involved in cognitive functions, like learning and memory. Numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulate and affect hippocampal neurogenesis. An exceptionally beneficial external factor is physical exercise due to the impact of the lactate accumulated during physical effort on neural plasticity. Lactate has recently emerged as one of the most interesting and potent factors in health and disease due to its involvement in the metabolism and signaling of most, if not all, of the cells in the CNS. Herein, we illustrate the effects induced by lactate on the different cell types within the neurogenic niche, in light of their described roles in regulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis.

Automated summary

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a dynamic process involving cognitive functions such as learning and memory, regulated by numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Physical exercise, particularly the impact of lactate, plays a beneficial role in neural plasticity. Lactate, considered a potent factor in health and disease, influences most cells in the CNS and affects different cell types within the neurogenic niche, regulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis.