Multi-Level Plasticity-Pathology Continuum of the Nervous System: Functional Aspects

Abstract

Functional aspects of the concept on the multi-level continuum of neuroplasticity and neuropathology is discussed. The harmony and pleiotropicity of the multifaceted mechanisms at molecular, synaptic, cellular, and network levels is associated with a high adaptive plasticity of brain regions involved in its controlling and integrative functions in the organism. Brain regions involved in cognitive functions and emotions (e.g. the lymbic system, particularly the hippocampus) possess high plasticity potential, however, the price of high plasticity is selective vulnerability of these structures to pathological alterations induced by stress factors. Depending on the pathology, neuroplasticity can be reduced (as a result of neuronal death and neurogenesis disturbances as it happens in neurodegenerative diseases) or increased (e.g. during epileptogenesis when aberrant plasticity develops). Alongside with its fundamental significance for understanding processes in normal and pathological brain, the neuroplasticity continuum concept is practically important since it allows to evaluate the rationale for interfering in specific molecular processes involved in both normal adaptive plasticity and brain disease pathogenesis.