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. 2011 Nov;20(4):265-76.

Brain plasticity and behaviour in the developing brain

Bryan Kolb  1 , Robbin Gibb
Affiliations

Brain plasticity and behaviour in the developing brain

Bryan Kolb et al. J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2011 Nov.

Abstract
in English, French

Objective: To review general principles of brain development, identify basic principles of brain plasticity, and discuss factors that influence brain development and plasticity.

Method: A literature review of relevant English-language manuscripts on brain development and plasticity was conducted.

Results: Brain development progresses through a series of stages beginning with neurogenesis and progressing to neural migration, maturation, synaptogenesis, pruning, and myelin formation. Eight basic principles of brain plasticity are identified. Evidence that brain development and function is influenced by different environmental events such as sensory stimuli, psychoactive drugs, gonadal hormones, parental-child relationships, peer relationships, early stress, intestinal flora, and diet.

Conclusions: The development of the brain reflects more than the simple unfolding of a genetic blueprint but rather reflects a complex dance of genetic and experiential factors that shape the emerging brain. Understanding the dance provides insight into both normal and abnormal development.

Objectifs:: Présenter les grandes lignes du développement cérébral; expliquer le principe de la plasticité du cerveau; exposer les facteurs qui influencent son développement et sa plasticité.

Méthodologie:: Analyse de la littérature publiée en anglais sur le développement et la plasticité du cerveau.

Résultats:: Le cerveau se développe par étapes, la première étant la neurogénèse, suivie de la migration des neurones, de la maturation, de la synaptogénèse, de l’élagage synaptique et de la myélinisation. Les auteurs présentent huit principes fondamentaux de la plasticité du cerveau. Ils constatent que le développement et le fonctionnement du cerveau sont influencés par divers facteurs environnementaux comme les stimuli sensoriels, les substances psychoactives, les hormones gonadales, les relations parent-enfant, les relations avec les pairs, le stress dans la petite enfance, la flore intestinale et le régime alimentaire.

Conclusion:: Le développement du cerveau va au-delà de la construction de la carte génétique; certaines interactions complexes entre facteurs génétiques et expérimentaux agissent sur le cerveau en formation. Comprendre ces interactions permettra d’étudier le développement normal ou anormal du cerveau.

Keywords: brain development; cerebral plasticity; environmental stimulation; epigenetics.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Cells migrate from the subventricular zone along radial glia to their eventual adult location (Kolb & Whishaw, 2009).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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