A brain plasticity study: focus on neurons and astrocytes

Brain plasticity is the ability of the CNS to functionally and structurally adapt in response to environmental stimuli, aging, and possible pathology. This dynamism requires synergism between different cells of the CNS, and the astrocytes and neurons are significantly involved in all these processes (Nudo, 2006; Theodosis et al., 2008). We focused on studying the plasticity of these neural cells concerning different environmental factors and pathology. In particular, we studied neuronal plasticity concerning diet change, and in parallel, we studied astrocytes plasticity with Parkinson's disease and major depressive disorder’s risk factors.