Neuroplasticity Flashcards
(25 cards)
Name the levels of neuroplasticity changes and give an example.
- Molecular
- upregulation of proteins
- gene expression - Single neuron
- synaptic plasticity - Network
- cortical map - Systems
- across CNS
How did Nudo assess motor learning with a reaching task in monkeys?
Assessed motor map pre and post.
What did Nudo learn about task difficulty?
Learner must be able to be successful, but should be challenged.
What did Nudo conclude about principles of training?
- many reps
- some failure
- progressive level of challenge
- reward base for motivation
Why is motivation important?
Underlying neurotransmitter mechanisms: dopamine and norepinephrine.
What happened to neuronal morphology after motor skill learning in rats?
- Increased dendridic brancing
- Incrased spine density
- perforated synapses
- multiple synaptic boutons
Driven by protein synthesis after gene expression.
A lot of input is initially required for a desired motor output when learning. What happens later?
With long term potentiation, the amount of input required to achieve a desired motor output decreases over time.
A study by Kleim showed that accuracy of a new task started to increase by day ___. What about motor maps?
7-10 days for accuracy and motor map changes.
7 days for synapse to increase
10 days for maps
T/F: endurance training resulted in changes in the motor map.
False, angiogenesis and reduced motor threshold.
What happens after a lesion in the recovery process?
Recovery of function through minimizing impairment.
Compensation through adaptation to impairment.
T/F: After brain insult, the same theories that apply to motor learning can be applied.
True.
Name the 3 phases of recovery and their timeframes.
- Rescue and salvage: neural shock.
- few hours - Repair and recovery: behavioral and pharmacological, max adaptive plasticity
- Days to weeks to months - Continue
- time unknown
What is an important consideration in neurological recovery (pertaining to use)?
Use dependent plasticity and the competitive process.
What are 3 reactions to damage that are secondary cell death?
- Excitotoxicity
- Formation of free radicals (O2)
- Secondary ischemic damage
Diaschisis is an almost immediate reaction to damage in the CNS. What is it?
Inhibition of neurons related to damaged area
-due to neural shock, edema, loss of flow an innervation
Can the effects of diaschisis be reversed?
Yes.
Are there more or less EPSP after diaschisis?
Less, so lower resting potential.
Under what condition does Wallerian degeneration occur?
Primary damage.
What technique is used to measure motor map activity in humans?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
How does TMS generation APs?
Mag field induces ion flow across membranes of cortical neurons. Exchange causes APs to be produced.
What can a TMS measure?
- Size of map
- location
- number of active sites
- threshold
What is a characteristic motor map sign with poorly retrained brains.
More brain regions activated. Contralesional cortex and supplemental motor area.
What are 3 components of the negative plasticity theory to aging?
- Disuse: dependence on already mastered skills
- Degraded inputs from the periphery: inability to integrate stimuli
- Negative learning: loss of ability to adapt to changing environment
What are some of the limitations of animal neuroplasticity studies?
Focal lesions; animal CNS different than human.
