A Study on the Activity-Dependent Expression of Neurotrophic Factors in the Rat Visual System

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Sensory experience can dynamically modify both the anatomy and function of the brain. In particular, neurons can modify their connections in response to enviromental stimuli. This process, generally referred to as "neuronal plasticity", is the basis of learning and memory processes in the brain. Which are the bases of neuronal plasticity? That is, how can environmental factors and sensory experience modify the connections between neurons? Neurotrophic factors of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) family are known to finely regulate the development and maintenance of synaptic connections in the PNS. The results obtained by the group of Maffei firstly suggested the hypothesis that neurotrophic factors could play a key role in the plasticity of the mammalian visual system. The purpose of this thesis is to give a general overview about the recent advances in the field of neurotrophine-regulated plasticity of the mammalian visual system.