Brain is modulated by neuronal plasticity during postnatal development

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Synaptic Plasticity

Background:

• Neuroplasticity is the brain's capacity to modify structure and function in response to stimuli.
• The mechanisms by which plastic neural systems maintain equilibrium remain unclear.
• Altered brain dynamics under various plasticity rules require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review research on homosynaptic and heterosynaptic neuroplasticity.
• To examine synaptic plasticity mechanisms at excitatory and inhibitory synapses during development.
• To understand how synaptic plasticity influences brain equilibrium.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of articles published since 1988.
• Searches conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases.
• Keyword-based search paradigm focusing on neuroplasticity and synaptic mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Extensive evidence supports key plasticity types: long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD).
• Findings confirm LTP and LTD at excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs and IPSPs).
• The review consolidates understanding of synaptic plasticity's role in brain adaptation.

Conclusions:

• Homosynaptic and heterosynaptic plasticity are crucial for neural adaptation.
• Synaptic plasticity mechanisms at excitatory and inhibitory synapses are vital during brain development.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the maintenance of brain equilibrium through plasticity.