Activity-dependent self-wiring is a basis of structural plastisity in neural networks

Abstract

Dynamical wiring and rewiring in neural networks are carried out by activity-dependent growth and retraction of axons and dendrites, guided by gudance molecules, released by target cells. Experience-dependent structural changes in cortical microcurcuts lead to changes in activity, i.e. to changes in information encoded. Specific pattens of external stimulation can lead to creation of new synaptical connections between neurons. Calcium influxes controlled by neuronal activity regulates processes of neurotrophic factors release by neurons, growth cones movement and synapse differentiation in developing neural system, therefore activity-dependent self-wiring can serve as a basis of structural plasticity in cortical networks and can be considered as a form of learning.