Adult cortical plasticity following injury: Recapitulation of critical period mechanisms?

摘要: A primary goal of research on developmental critical periods (CPs) is the recapitulation a juvenile-like state malleability in adult brain that might enable recovery from injury. These ambitions are often framed terms simple reinstatement enhanced plasticity growth-restricted milieu an injured brain. Here, we provide analysis similarities and differences between deprivation-induced injury-induced cortical plasticity, to for nuanced comparison these remarkably similar processes. As first step, review factors drive ocular dominance visual cortex uninjured during CP adults, highlight processes confer adaptive advantage. In addition, directly compare following acute injury or ischemia mature We find two display biphasic response profile deprivation injury: initial decrease GABAergic inhibition synapse loss transitions into period neurite expansion synaptic gain. This emphasizes transition healing one reconnection function. Yet while shares several salient characteristics with CP, degree which able functionally rewire, time required do so, present major limitations recovery. Attempts recapitulate measure context will need carefully dissect circuit alterations mechanisms involved measuring functional behavioral output assess their ultimate success.