Plasticity in Neural Systems
Competencies:
- Discuss the discoveries that ended the dogma of the central
nervous system.with respect to repair and regeneration.
- Describe different forms of brain plasticity.
- Discuss the relationships between genes, environment and brain function with respect to normal neural function, brain aging and age-related disease.
- Describe the biology of neural stem cells in the adult brain and
their potential use for brain repair.
To master the material presented in this
lecture:
Look at the Review Questions below ...
Listen to the lecture and focus on
the following points ...
- The CNS has a significant extent of plasticity manifested in alterations that take place following new experiences, training, learning, memory, disease, injury and trauma.
- Behavior affects the brain on the molecular, cellular, neural, structural and functional levels.
- Neural stem cells reside in two main discrete environment in the adult brain.
- New neurons are being added to the olfactory bulb and the granular layer of the dentate gyrus throughout life.
- Understanding the molecular mechanism regulating adult neurogenesis underlies the development of therapy for brain repair.
- Adult neurogenesis declines as a function of age and may be associated with the decline in brain plasticity and function, and the vulnerability to age-linked neurodegenerative disease.
Consider the Following Questions ...
-
Define plasticity and describe some manifestations (structural, neurochemical, physioloogical) of plasticity in the nervous system.
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Plasticity in the nervous system provides hope for regeneration of damaged pathways or compensation for loss. What mechanisms are being explored to reclaim lost function in:
Alzheimer's disease
Physical trauma to the spinal cord
- On strictly scientific grounds, discuss the pros and cons of the use of endogenous and exogenous stem cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and traumatic damage to the CNS:
