Changes on neuronal plasticity in physiological (pregnancy and postpartum) and stressed conditions

Neural plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity is the capability of neurons to changes the structure, function and organization of neurons in response to new experiences. It specifically refers to strengthening or weakening nerve connections or adding new nerve cells based on environmental stimuli. These processes are responsible for physiological changes, learning and the formation of appropriate responses to external event. Neural plasticity is among the most important aspects of the field of modern neuroscience and its study is leading to a better understanding of brain development. In this work the neuroplasticity, in particularly the BDNF and Arc proteins levels, density of dendritic spines and neurogenesis, was studied after different conditions, such as during pregnancy and after delivery or after a prolonged stress, such as maternal separation and social isolation. Our studies have shown an increase in BDNF and Arc proteins levels, density of dendritic spines and neurogenesis during pregnancy and after delivery, in constrast was observed a reduction of BDNF and Arc proteins levels, density of dendritic spines and neurogenesis after a prolonged stress. These results demonstrate that physiological changes or social environments can have significant effects on neuronal plasticity.