9) neuroplasticity 1

Plasticity

ability to be molded/shaped

biological systems that show plasticity

neural system - brain and spinal cord circuits

muscles

neuroplasticity

ability of neurons to change function, chemical profile, and/or structure

the change that happens in the brain results in

changes in function (memory, skill learning, adaption)

neuroplasticity is an essential function of the nervous system for

recovery from damage

Neuroplasticity can be

adaptive and maladaptive

Relevance of plasticity and its modulation

- sports

- aging

- neurologic disorders

- MSK injuries

neuroplasticity processes at multiple levels

genes, neuron and synapses, brain and neural networks, behavior

neuronal and synaptic level

synaptic level

dendritic spine growth

axonal arborization

brain region level

changes in grey matter

remapping of cerebral cortex

neural network level

changes in white matter

- short and long range networks

goal of plasticity at the synaptic level

alter synaptic transmission between neurons

plasticity at the synaptic level involves

mechanisms at the presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals

plasticity at the synaptic level can either

increase or decrease the efficacy of synaptic transmission

increases of synaptic transmission leads to

long term potentiation (LTP)

decreases in efficacy of synaptic transmission can lead to

long-term depression (LTD)

LTP presynaptic changes

increased synthesis and storage of neurotransmitters

increased release of neurotransmitters

LTP postsynaptic changes

increased number and density of receptors

increased responsiveness of receptors

LTD presynaptic changes

decreased synthesis and storage of neurotransmitters

decreased release of neurotransmitters

LTD post synaptic changes

decreased number and density of receptors

decreased responsiveness of receptors

alteration in the neuron's responsiveness to stimulation is called

Augmentation or depression

changes at the neuronal level

sodium channel activity

postassium channel activity

calcium channel activity

calcium availability

membrane proteins/genes

neuronal changes result in

changes in neurotransmitter release, resorption

changes in receptor response speed

synaptogenesis

formation of synapses

Synaptogenesis involves multiple mechanisms at the level of

- axon

- dendrite

- glial cells

- blood vessels

structural changes during plasticity

axonal sprouting

dendritic sprouting

neurogenesis

process of generating functional neurons from adult neural precursors

neurogenesis occurs

throughout life in restricted brain regions in mammals

neurogenesis involves

Proliferation, migration, differentiation, and integration

angiogenesis

formation of new blood vessels

angiogenesis is stimulated by

endothelial cells releasing growth factor

angiogenesis serves as

a support system for neural changes including neurogenesis

exercise training improves

angiogenesis in the cortex and improved cognitive function in animal models

white matter changes

new oligodendrocytes are added in adult life that support neuronal and synaptic plasticity

activity as well as inactivity influence

white matter changes

new myelin sheaths may integrate within the adult CNS through

- De novo myelination of previously unmyelinated axons

- myelin replacement

- myelin remodeling

factors that affect neuroplasticity

• Activity

• Sleep

• Mood

• Hormones

• Diet

• Cardiorespiratory Function/Fitness

• Genetics

• Sex

• Pharmaceuticals

• Stimulation

• Disease

• Injury

Variations in the gene for neurotrophin BDNF is known for

altering neuroplasticity

variations in the gene for dopamine are know for

influencing reinforcement learning and responses to L-Dopa

Variations of the ApoE gene are known to affect

neurodegenerative processes as well as neuroplastic changes

neuromodulating system function

1. regulation of attention and higher-order cognitive processing

2. learning and memory

3. with other neurotransmitter systems help mood and motivation

how can you engage with the cholinergic system

influence, interaction of internal and external inputs, positive feedback between incentive stimuli and motivational state

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)

protein that

- promotes the survival of nerve cells by playing a tole in the growth, maturation, and maintenance of these cells

- active at synapses