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How plastic is the central nervous system?
1Department of Anatomy, University of South Florida College of Medicine.
The Journal of the Florida Medical Association
|September 1, 1992
Summary
The adult central nervous system (CNS) demonstrates remarkable plasticity, challenging older views of irreversible damage. Remaining neurons can adapt and respond under specific conditions, offering new avenues for neuroregeneration research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Historically, the central nervous system (CNS) was considered incapable of regeneration after development.
- Early 20th-century views, like Cajal's, posited fixed and immutable adult neural pathways.
- Recent advancements have overturned this dogma, revealing significant CNS plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the historical research leading to the concept of CNS plasticity.
- To review current research directions in understanding CNS plasticity.
- To investigate the factors that regulate neuronal adaptation and response in the adult CNS.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical scientific literature.
- Analysis of contemporary research findings on neuroplasticity.
- Exploration of novel techniques in studying the nervous system.
Main Results:
- The central nervous system (CNS) exhibits substantial plasticity in response to damage, neurotoxins, or disease.
- While lost neurons are not replaced, surviving neurons can adapt and respond.
- Research is identifying key factors that govern these adaptive responses.
Conclusions:
- The adult CNS is not immutable; it possesses a capacity for plasticity and adaptation.
- Understanding the mechanisms of CNS plasticity is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
- Future research focuses on harnessing these mechanisms for neural repair and regeneration.