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Rapid functional plasticity in the primary somatomotor cortex and perceptual changes after nerve block
Thomas Weiss1, Wolfgang H R Miltner, Joachim Liepert
1Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am Steiger 3 Haus 1, D-07743 Jena, Germany. weiss@biopsy.uni-jena.de
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|December 22, 2004
Summary
The adult brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroplasticity
- Somatosensory System
Background:
- The mature human primary somatosensory cortex has significant plasticity.
- Eliminating sensory input leads to cortical reorganization, a phenomenon known as 'invasion'.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rapid cortical reorganization in the human somatosensory cortex following sensory input elimination.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms and perceptual consequences of this rapid neuroplasticity.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacological blockade of radial and median nerves to abolish sensation from the hand.
- Magnetic source imaging to observe changes in cortical representation.
- Paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess motor cortex disinhibition.
Main Results:
- Cortical representations of adjacent intact areas (little finger, lower lip) rapidly moved closer within an hour.
- Observed motor cortex disinhibition in muscles supplied by the unaffected ulnar nerve.
- Reported increased two-point discrimination and tactile mislocalization near the denervated area.
Conclusions:
- Rapid cortical reorganization and disinhibition in the somatosensory system occur within an hour of sensory loss.
- These changes may explain the 'invasion' phenomenon and associated perceptual alterations.
- Suggests functional correlates for rapid neuroplasticity in the adult human brain.