title: Transformation of cortical and hippocampal neural circuit by environmental enrichment.
abstract: It has been half a century since brain volume enlargement was first reported in animals reared in an enriched environment (EE). As EE animals show improved memory task performance, exposure to EE has been a useful model system for studying the effects of experience on brain plasticity. We review EE-induced neural changes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus focusing mainly on works published in the recent decade. The review is organized in three large domains of changes: anatomical, electrophysiological, and molecular changes. Finally, we discuss open issues and future outlook toward better understanding of EE-induced neural changes.
authors.affiliation: RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Saitama University Brain Science Institute, Saitama 338-8570, Japan. Electronic address: hirase@brain.riken.jp.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hirase
authors.affiliation: RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shinohara
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D004777:Environment; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D006799:Housing, Animal; D006801:Humans; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: C120777:KCNV1 protein, human; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated
keywords: cerebral cortex; gamma oscillations; glia; hippocampus; neuropil; spines