[Structural plasticity in the adult central nervous system].
BACKGROUND
Neurobiological research indicates that the adult central nervous system is more plastic than previously believed. This article reviews structural plasticity in the adult central nervous system.


METHODS
This review is based on literature retrieved from PubMed using the search terms "ltp AND learning", "synaptic AND structural plasticity", "adult AND neurogenesis", "pathology AND neurogenesis" and "MRI AND cortical plasticity".


CONCLUSIONS
Animal studies indicate that a minority of synapses turn over in the adult central nervous system. Learning is associated with increased synaptogenesis. In the adult human brain neurogenesis occurs in the hippocampus and in the olfactory bulb. Adult neurogenesis may contribute to some types of hippocampal-dependent learning, as well as to olfactory function. Increased neurogenesis in ischemic stroke and Huntington's disease indicates an endogenous regenerative response. Enhancing neurogenesis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy. In the adult human brain learning and medication can induce changes in grey matter detectable with MR-based morphometry. Emerging knowledge of neuroplasticity will have implications for theories of learning and treatment of disorders in the central nervous system.
Elvsåshagen
Torbjørn
T
Avdeling for nevropsykiatri og psykosomatisk medisin, Nevroklinikken, Rikshospitalet 0027 Oslo. torbjorn.elvsashagen@rikshospitalet.no
Malt
Ulrik Fredrik
UF
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology