Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Spectral Reflectometric Microscopy on Myelinated Axons In Situ
09:13

Spectral Reflectometric Microscopy on Myelinated Axons In Situ

Published on: July 2, 2018

7.8K

Experience-related reductions of myelin and axon diameter in adulthood

Alberto Lazari1,2, Sigrid Koudelka3, Cassandra Sampaio-Baptista2

  • 1Wellcome Trust Doctoral Programme in Neuroscience, University of Oxford , Oxford , United Kingdom.

Journal of Neurophysiology
|September 13, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Auditory deprivation can reduce myelin and axon size in adult brains, revealing a new aspect of brain plasticity. This research shows that myelin changes are a complex, activity-regulated process in adulthood.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neuroplasticity
  • Myelination

Background:

  • Myelin production is a key mechanism of brain plasticity.
  • Plasticity in myelin in adult brains remains largely unexplored.
  • Activity-dependent myelination is complex.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate myelin plasticity in adult brains.
  • To explore the effects of auditory deprivation on myelination and axon caliber in adulthood.

Main Methods:

  • Auditory deprivation was used as a model.
  • Changes in myelination and axon caliber were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Auditory deprivation led to decreased myelination in adult brains.
  • Axon caliber also decreased following auditory deprivation.
  • These changes occurred even in healthy adult subjects.

Conclusions:

  • Myelin plasticity occurs in the adult brain.
  • Activity-regulated myelination is more complex than previously understood.
  • These findings expand our understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying adult brain plasticity.
Keywords:
auditory processingconduction velocitymyelinationplasticitysensory deprivation

More Related Videos

In Vitro Myelination of Peripheral Axons in a Coculture of Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Explants and Schwann Cells08:57

In Vitro Myelination of Peripheral Axons in a Coculture of Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Explants and Schwann Cells

Published on: February 10, 2023

2.7K
An Approach to Enhance Alignment and Myelination of Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons09:48

An Approach to Enhance Alignment and Myelination of Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

Published on: August 24, 2016

9.1K

Related Concept Videos

Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood03:34

Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood

Attachment is a long-standing connection or bond with others. While Attachment Theory was conceived in developmental psychology to describe infant-caregiver bonding, it's been extended into adulthood to include romantic relationships. 
50.0K
Emerging Adulthood01:27

Emerging Adulthood

Jeffrey Arnett's concept of emerging adulthood offers a framework to understand the unique developmental stage between adolescence and full-fledged adulthood, generally from ages 18 to 25. This period is marked by extensive exploration and shifts in identity, relationships, and career choices, a process known in psychology as role experimentation. Emerging adulthood reflects the evolving cultural expectations surrounding adulthood and the dynamic process of personal transformation during...
700
Cognitive Development During Adulthood01:30

Cognitive Development During Adulthood

Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
892
Oxidation-Reduction Reactions03:11

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Oxidation–Reduction Reactions
75.7K
Nervous Tissue: Myelin01:25

Nervous Tissue: Myelin

The myelin sheath is a multilayered lipid and protein covering that insulates the axon of a neuron, enhancing the speed of nerve impulse conduction. Axons without this sheath are referred to as unmyelinated. Two types of neuroglia, Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) are responsible for producing myelin sheaths.
Schwann cells begin to form myelin sheaths around axons during fetal development. They wrap around a small...
5.9K
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood01:27

Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development outlines a series of stages through which individuals progress across the lifespan. Each stage involves a psychosocial conflict that significantly influences personal growth and well-being. Three key stages — intimacy versus isolation, generativity versus stagnation, and integrity versus despair — highlight the developmental challenges faced in adulthood.
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early...
930