This book provides a broad survey of many of the major areas in neuroplasticity research by leading investigators in the field. The topics considered range across all levels of nervous system organization from the molecular to behavioral levels for species ranging from C. elegans to humans. In addition, the effects of development and neuropathological events are discussed. A final summary chapter synthesizes the data gathered in this volume in order to provide the basis for a general theory of neuroplasticity.

Contents:
Section I: Introduction to Neuroplasticity. C.A. Shaw, J.C. McEachern, Is There a General Theory of Neuroplasticity? G.C. Teskey, A General Framework for Neuroplasticity Theories and Models. Section II: Behavioural and Systems Approaches to Experience, Learning and Memory. W.M. DeBello, E.I. Knudsen, Adaptive Plasticity of the Auditory Space Map. N.M. Weinberger, Learning and Receptive Field Plasticity in Auditory Cortex: Identification of a Memory Code? Y. Sugita, Global Plasticity of the Adult Visual System, J.L. Kavanau, Reinforcement of Memory During Sleep. A.R. Mercer, The Predictable Plasticity of Honey Bees. Section III: Circuit, Cellular and Synaptic Aspects of Neuroplasticity. B.K. Ormerod, L.A.M. Galea, Mechanism and Function of Adult Neurogenesis. T.J. Teyler, LTP and the Superfamily of Synaptic Plasticities. D.P. Cain, Synaptic Models of Neuroplasticity: What is LTP? N.S. Desai, S.B. Nelson, G.G. Turrigiano, Homeostatic Regulation of Cortical Networks. Section IV: Molecular and Genetic Determinants of Neuroplasticity. L. Liu, Y.T. Wang, Regulation of Postsynaptic Receptor Trafficking - A Novel Means of Generating Synaptic Plasticity. G.D. Mower, Immediate Early Gene Expression and Critical Period Neuroplasticity in Visual Cortex. J.K. Rose, C.H. Rankin, Behavioral, Neural Circuit and Genetic Analyses of Habituation in C. elegans. M. Saitoe, T. Tully, Making Connections Between Developmental and Behavioral Plasticity in Drosophila. Section V: Developmental Aspects of Neuroplasticity. B. Kolb, R. Gibb, C.L.R. Gonzalez, Cortical Injury and Neuroplasticity During Brain Development. J.P. Rauschecker, Developmental Neuroplasticity Within and Across Sensory Modalities. H. Neville, D. Bavelier, Specificity of Developmental Neuroplasticity in Humans: Evidence from Sensory Deprivation and Altered Language Experience. H.M. Lenhoff, O. Perales, G.S. Hickok, Preservation of a Normally Transient Critical Period in a Cognitively Impaired Population: Window of Opportunity for Acquiring Absolute Pitch in Williams Syndrome. T. Bredy, I. Weaver, F.C. Champagne, M.J. Meaney, Maternal Care and Neural Development in the Rat. H. Anisman, S. Hayley, W. Staines, Z. Merali, Cytokines, Stress, and Neurochemical Change: Immediate and Proactive Effects. Section VI: 'Pathological' Neuroplasticity and the Response to Injury. J.H. Kaas, The Mutability of Sensory Representations After Injury in Adult Mammals. G.S. Doetsch, Phantoms and Other Perceptual Phenomena Related to Plasticity in Somatosensory Cortex. G.C. Teskey, Using Kindling to Model the Neuroplastic Changes Associated with Learning and Memory, Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Epilepsy. M.E. Wolf, The Neuroplasticity of Addiction. G. Baranauskas, Pain Induced Plasticity in Spinal Cord. D. Neill, Maladaptive and Dysfunctional Synaptoplasticity in Relation to Alzheimer's Disease and Schizophrenia. M.P. Mattson, W. Duan, S.L. Chan, Z. Guo, Apoptotic and Anti-Apoptotic Signaling at the Synapse: From Adaptive Plasticity to Neurodegenerative Disorders. Section VII: Is There a Theory of Neuroplasticity? C.A. Shaw, J.C. McEachern, Traversing Levels of Organization: A Theory of Neuronal Stability and Plasticity.