MINIREVIEW
Theoretical Aspects of
Neuroplasticity
S. TROJAN, J. POKORNÝ
Institute of Physiology, First Faculty of
Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
Received September 26, 1997
Accepted November 20, 1998
Summary
The authors propose an integrative theory of the organization of
neuroplastic processes. Neuroplasticity is assumed to be one of
the essential characteristics of the nervous tissue which may be
manifested comparatively rapidly and result in reversible
changes (functional plasticity). It may also modulate the
expression of genotype into phenotype (adaptation) and thus
bring about long-lasting effects. Neuroplastic mechanisms are
triggered by various natural or artificial stimuli, which may
arise in the internal or external environment, and they may
differ quantitatively or qualitatively. The effects of
plasticity can lead to either positive or negative changes
during development (evolutionary plasticity), after short-term
exposition (reactive plasticity), after long-term or continuous
stimuli (adaptational plasticity), and during functional or
structural recovery of damaged neuronal circuits (reparation
plasticity). Manifestations of plasticity have probably the same
basis, irrespective of the cause which triggered them or the
brain region where they were accomplished. Neuroplastic
mechanisms are based on the modulation of signal transmission
across synapses. They can be related to interneuronal relations.
The resulting changes may occur in the communication between
neurons (synaptic level), in the activity of local neuronal
circuits (at the level of local circuits) or in the relations
between individual functional brain systems (multimodular
level).
Key words
Plasticity · Nervous tissue · Development · Adaptation ·
Reparation
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