Post-Lesion Neural Plasticity [Paperback]

Neural networks are not rigidly wired but rather highly plastic structures, the functional architecture of which can be actively reorganized in response to external or internal events. Lesions of such networks induce plastic processes which in time may lead to a recovery of the initially disrupted function. This type of neural plasticity is the main focus of the book, which presents a broad spectrum of experimental paradigms for lesion-induced plasticity as in the spinal cord, the vestibular, oculomotor, visual and olfactory system, the cerebellum and the cerebral cortex, including recent methodological developments. Concepts and perspectives in understanding neural plasticity are reported in reviews and original research reports and are thoroughly discussed.Proceedings of a Symposium held at the University of Bremen in August 1987 as a Satellite Meeting of the Second World Congress of NeuroscienceNeural networks are not rigidly wired but rather highly plastic structures, the functional architecture of which can be actively reorganized in response to external or internal events. Lesions of such networks induce plastic processes which in time may lead to a recovery of the initially disrupted function. This type of neural plasticity is the main focus of the book, which presents a broad spectrum of experimental paradigms for lesion-induced plasticity as in the spinal cord, the vestibular, oculomotor, visual and olfactory system, the cerebellum and the cerebral cortex, including recent methodological developments. Concepts and perspectives in understanding neural plasticity are reported in reviews and original research reports and are thoroughly discussed.I Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Lesion-Induced Plastic Processes.- Multiple Sites and Modes for the Regulation of Axonal Growth.- Models, Mechanisms and Kinetics of Neuromuscular Synapse Elimination in Reinnervated Adult Skeletal Muscle.- Elimination of a Single Axon Changes Synaptic Characteristics of the Otherl²