Overview of cortical plasticity and recovery from brain injury.
The analysis of plastic changes in the nervous system is based on the assumption that the nervous system is not a static system but rather one that changes over time. Neural plasticity can be studied at many levels, beginning with behavior and then becoming progressively more microscopic by descending to the level of cerebral maps, synaptic organization, physiologic activities, molecular structure, and mitosis. This article considers each level in turn and then briefly describes how an understanding of the principles of plasticity can be used to initiate treatments for cerebral injury.
Kolb
Bryan
B
Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4. Kolb@uleth.ca
D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006056:Golgi Apparatus / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008938:Mitosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000494:pharmacology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D020521:Stroke / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs