Abderrahman El Maarouf and Urs Rutishauser
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198525387
- eISBN:
- 9780191723872
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525387.003.0002
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
This chapter summarizes the findings on polysialic acid function in the adult brain. In particular, the roles of polysialic acid elucidated by analysis of NCAM knockout mice are described, together ...
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This chapter summarizes the findings on polysialic acid function in the adult brain. In particular, the roles of polysialic acid elucidated by analysis of NCAM knockout mice are described, together with descriptions of the role of polysialic acid in the circadian rhythm, long-term potentiation and memory, neurological diseases, and response to injury.Less
This chapter summarizes the findings on polysialic acid function in the adult brain. In particular, the roles of polysialic acid elucidated by analysis of NCAM knockout mice are described, together with descriptions of the role of polysialic acid in the circadian rhythm, long-term potentiation and memory, neurological diseases, and response to injury.
Wolfgang J. Streit
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195152227
- eISBN:
- 9780199865024
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195152227.003.0005
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Development, Disorders of the Nervous System
This chapter focuses on microglial cells. Microglial cell numbers are thought to make up 5% to 20% of the entire central nervous system (CNS) glial cell population. As a conservative estimate, ...
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This chapter focuses on microglial cells. Microglial cell numbers are thought to make up 5% to 20% of the entire central nervous system (CNS) glial cell population. As a conservative estimate, assuming that microglia represent 10% of the total glial cell pool and knowing that there are at least 10 times as many glial cells as there are neurons in the CNS, it is apparent that there are at least as many microglia as there are neurons. The origin and lineage of microglia, methods for staining microglia, microglia and related cell types, and microglia in the normal adult and aging brain are discussed.Less
This chapter focuses on microglial cells. Microglial cell numbers are thought to make up 5% to 20% of the entire central nervous system (CNS) glial cell population. As a conservative estimate, assuming that microglia represent 10% of the total glial cell pool and knowing that there are at least 10 times as many glial cells as there are neurons in the CNS, it is apparent that there are at least as many microglia as there are neurons. The origin and lineage of microglia, methods for staining microglia, microglia and related cell types, and microglia in the normal adult and aging brain are discussed.
Larry W. Swanson
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195369007
- eISBN:
- 9780199865253
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195369007.003.0004
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems, Development
This chapter begins by outlining the structure-function organization of the adult paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH). It then reviews some highlights of what has already been learned ...
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This chapter begins by outlining the structure-function organization of the adult paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH). It then reviews some highlights of what has already been learned about its pre- and postnatal development, with an eye toward providing a conceptual framework for broader experimental examination of molecular mechanisms underlying the progression from differentiated neuroepithelium to adult three-dimensional structure, axonal connections, and function. Topics discussed include what neuroepithelial region that generates the PVH, when PVH neurons are born, relationship between PVH and supraoptic nucleus development, and the relationship between developing PVH and pituitary.Less
This chapter begins by outlining the structure-function organization of the adult paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH). It then reviews some highlights of what has already been learned about its pre- and postnatal development, with an eye toward providing a conceptual framework for broader experimental examination of molecular mechanisms underlying the progression from differentiated neuroepithelium to adult three-dimensional structure, axonal connections, and function. Topics discussed include what neuroepithelial region that generates the PVH, when PVH neurons are born, relationship between PVH and supraoptic nucleus development, and the relationship between developing PVH and pituitary.
Tobias Rees
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780520288126
- eISBN:
- 9780520963177
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520288126.001.0001
- Subject:
- Anthropology, Medical Anthropology
Throughout the twentieth century, neuronal researchers knew the adult human brain to be a thoroughly fixed and immutable cellular structure, devoid of any developmental potential. This book is a ...
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Throughout the twentieth century, neuronal researchers knew the adult human brain to be a thoroughly fixed and immutable cellular structure, devoid of any developmental potential. This book is a study of the efforts of a few Parisian neurobiologists to overturn this rigid conception of the central nervous system by showing that basic embryogenetic processes—most spectacularly the emergence of new cellular tissue in the form of new neurons, axons, dendrites, and synapses—continue in the mature brain. Furthermore, these researchers sought to demonstrate that the new tissues are still unspecific and hence literally plastic, and that this cellular plasticity is constitutive of the possibility of the human. The book, grounded in years of fieldwork and historical research, is an anthropologist's account of what has arguably been one of the most sweeping events in the history of brain research—the highly contested effort to consider the adult brain in embryogenetic terms. A careful analysis of the disproving of an established truth, it reveals the turmoil that such a disruption brings about and the emergence of new possibilities of thinking and knowing.Less
Throughout the twentieth century, neuronal researchers knew the adult human brain to be a thoroughly fixed and immutable cellular structure, devoid of any developmental potential. This book is a study of the efforts of a few Parisian neurobiologists to overturn this rigid conception of the central nervous system by showing that basic embryogenetic processes—most spectacularly the emergence of new cellular tissue in the form of new neurons, axons, dendrites, and synapses—continue in the mature brain. Furthermore, these researchers sought to demonstrate that the new tissues are still unspecific and hence literally plastic, and that this cellular plasticity is constitutive of the possibility of the human. The book, grounded in years of fieldwork and historical research, is an anthropologist's account of what has arguably been one of the most sweeping events in the history of brain research—the highly contested effort to consider the adult brain in embryogenetic terms. A careful analysis of the disproving of an established truth, it reveals the turmoil that such a disruption brings about and the emergence of new possibilities of thinking and knowing.
Tobias Rees
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780520288126
- eISBN:
- 9780520963177
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520288126.003.0008
- Subject:
- Anthropology, Medical Anthropology
This chapter narrates the beginning of the author's research on plasticity. He spent much of his time documenting how, on the level of experimental practice, technologies were being invented that ...
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This chapter narrates the beginning of the author's research on plasticity. He spent much of his time documenting how, on the level of experimental practice, technologies were being invented that enabled understanding the adult brain in embryogenetic terms. By that time, he was introduced to the nocturnal grounds of science. Alain Prochiantz said that science was neither (or not exclusively) about experimentation nor (or not exclusively) about truth, but instead about the work with ideas. Implicit in his lectures was the suggestion that the author's research questions were naïve. He wanted to make the author sensitive to other comprehensions of scientific practice.Less
This chapter narrates the beginning of the author's research on plasticity. He spent much of his time documenting how, on the level of experimental practice, technologies were being invented that enabled understanding the adult brain in embryogenetic terms. By that time, he was introduced to the nocturnal grounds of science. Alain Prochiantz said that science was neither (or not exclusively) about experimentation nor (or not exclusively) about truth, but instead about the work with ideas. Implicit in his lectures was the suggestion that the author's research questions were naïve. He wanted to make the author sensitive to other comprehensions of scientific practice.
Tobias Rees
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780520288126
- eISBN:
- 9780520963177
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520288126.003.0015
- Subject:
- Anthropology, Medical Anthropology
This concluding chapter compares the work of Alain Prochiantz and Fred Gage—both of which presented the idea that some basic embryogenetic processes might continue in adult brains. While Prochiantz ...
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This concluding chapter compares the work of Alain Prochiantz and Fred Gage—both of which presented the idea that some basic embryogenetic processes might continue in adult brains. While Prochiantz began to wonder whether homeoproteins could be plastic forces, Gage sought to invent a language that would allow thinking of the adult brain in terms of its embryogenesis. The background to Gage's conceptual innovation was very different from Prochiantz's. Gage had made a name for himself since the 1970s by grafting fetal brain tissue to mature brains to fight neurodegenerative diseases (mostly Parkinson's). He was interested in reintroducing, through cutting and pasting fetal tissue, the possibility of embryogenetic growth in diseased brains.Less
This concluding chapter compares the work of Alain Prochiantz and Fred Gage—both of which presented the idea that some basic embryogenetic processes might continue in adult brains. While Prochiantz began to wonder whether homeoproteins could be plastic forces, Gage sought to invent a language that would allow thinking of the adult brain in terms of its embryogenesis. The background to Gage's conceptual innovation was very different from Prochiantz's. Gage had made a name for himself since the 1970s by grafting fetal brain tissue to mature brains to fight neurodegenerative diseases (mostly Parkinson's). He was interested in reintroducing, through cutting and pasting fetal tissue, the possibility of embryogenetic growth in diseased brains.
Leo M. Chalupa, Nicoletta Berardi, Matteo Caleo, Lucia Galli-Resta, and Tommaso Pizzorusso (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262015233
- eISBN:
- 9780262295444
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262015233.001.0001
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Research and Theory
The notion that neurons in the living brain can change in response to experience—a phenomenon known as “plasticity”—has become a major conceptual issue in neuroscience research as well as a practical ...
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The notion that neurons in the living brain can change in response to experience—a phenomenon known as “plasticity”—has become a major conceptual issue in neuroscience research as well as a practical focus for the fields of neural rehabilitation and neurodegenerative disease. Early work dealt with the plasticity of the developing brain and demonstrated the critical role played by sensory experience in normal development. Two broader themes have emerged in recent studies: the plasticity of the adult brain (one of the most rapidly developing areas of current research) and the search for the underlying mechanisms of plasticity—explanations for the cellular, molecular, and epigenetic factors controlling plasticity. Many scientists believe that achieving a fundamental understanding of what underlies neuronal plasticity could help us treat neurological disorders and even improve the learning capabilities of the human brain. This book offers contributions from leaders in the field that cover all three approaches to the study of cerebral plasticity. Chapters look at normal development and the influences of environmental manipulations; cerebral plasticity in adulthood; and underlying mechanisms of plasticity. Others deal with plastic changes in neurological conditions and with the enhancement of plasticity as a strategy for brain repair.Less
The notion that neurons in the living brain can change in response to experience—a phenomenon known as “plasticity”—has become a major conceptual issue in neuroscience research as well as a practical focus for the fields of neural rehabilitation and neurodegenerative disease. Early work dealt with the plasticity of the developing brain and demonstrated the critical role played by sensory experience in normal development. Two broader themes have emerged in recent studies: the plasticity of the adult brain (one of the most rapidly developing areas of current research) and the search for the underlying mechanisms of plasticity—explanations for the cellular, molecular, and epigenetic factors controlling plasticity. Many scientists believe that achieving a fundamental understanding of what underlies neuronal plasticity could help us treat neurological disorders and even improve the learning capabilities of the human brain. This book offers contributions from leaders in the field that cover all three approaches to the study of cerebral plasticity. Chapters look at normal development and the influences of environmental manipulations; cerebral plasticity in adulthood; and underlying mechanisms of plasticity. Others deal with plastic changes in neurological conditions and with the enhancement of plasticity as a strategy for brain repair.
Tobias Rees
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780520288126
- eISBN:
- 9780520963177
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520288126.003.0014
- Subject:
- Anthropology, Medical Anthropology
This chapter asserts that the overarching questions that had structured the work of the lab from its inception in 1989 to 2004–2005 was: Do homeoproteins transfer between cells? Is this transfer an ...
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This chapter asserts that the overarching questions that had structured the work of the lab from its inception in 1989 to 2004–2005 was: Do homeoproteins transfer between cells? Is this transfer an important embryological process, one that organizes the cellular emergence of the brain, one that renders the adult brain plastic? The book's research had followed the emergence of these questions and the efforts to answer them. The the chapter states that the answers that concluded his work for the book were merely the beginnings of a new episode of the study done in the lab. The chapter enumerates the new or research positions of the people who had advanced the lab's experimental system.Less
This chapter asserts that the overarching questions that had structured the work of the lab from its inception in 1989 to 2004–2005 was: Do homeoproteins transfer between cells? Is this transfer an important embryological process, one that organizes the cellular emergence of the brain, one that renders the adult brain plastic? The book's research had followed the emergence of these questions and the efforts to answer them. The the chapter states that the answers that concluded his work for the book were merely the beginnings of a new episode of the study done in the lab. The chapter enumerates the new or research positions of the people who had advanced the lab's experimental system.
