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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Anatomically Inspired Three-dimensional Micro-tissue Engineered Neural Networks for Nervous System Reconstruction, Modulation, and Modeling
Published on: May 31, 2017
License to run: exercise impacts functional plasticity in the intact and injured central nervous system by using
Shoshanna Vaynman1, Fernando Gomez-Pinilla
1Department of Neurosurgery and Physiological Science, and Brain Injury Research Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Abstract:
Exercise has been found to impact molecular systems important for maintaining neural function and plasticity. A characteristic finding for the effects of exercise in the brain and spinal cord has been the up-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This review focuses on the ability of exercise to impact brain circuitry by promoting neuronal repair and enhance learning and memory by increasing neurotrophic support. A paragon for the role of activity-dependent neurotrophins in the CNS is the capacity of BDNF to facilitate synaptic function and neuronal excitability. The authors discuss the effects of exercise in the intact and injured brain and spinal cord injury and the implementation of exercise preinjury and postinjury. As the CNS displays a capacity for plasticity throughout one's lifespan, exercise may be a powerful lifestyle implementation that could be used to augment synaptic plasticity, promote behavioral rehabilitation, and counteract the deleterious effects of aging.
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