The Biology of Early Influences

by Hyson, Richard Lee; Johnson, Frank; Florida State University Neuroscience Program Symposium on the biology

• ISBN13: 9780306462986
• ISBN10: 0306462982
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-12-01
• Publisher: Springer Verlag

Summary

The role of experience is crucial in the development of the nervous system. The definition of experience includes neural activity, hormonal environment, and social interactions, as well as exposure to sensory stimuli. There are a variety of organism-environment interactions that guide the development of the nervous system. There is evidence that early sensory experiences enhance brain development and make for a more intelligent adult. A common theme throughout the book is the biological mechanism of early experiential influences in neural development. The book covers three stages of development: (1) embryonic or perinatal manipulations; (2) manipulations early after birth or hatching; (3) major periods of transformation in the organism's life. The first stimuli felt by an organism is at the embryonic stage. For example, the expression of prenatal reflexes and movements regulates the life and death of developing neurons and is necessary for the normal development of the nervous system. Another example is the sensory system, the development of which starts before the organism has any sensory input. Furthermore, interactions between a pregnant or nursing female and her environment can influence the environment experienced by her offspring. As regards the organism's development right after birth, evidence suggests that sensory deprivation of a particular system may lead to the death of its neurons. Experiments have been conducted on the olfactory bulb in the rodent and chick auditory systems. The major periods of transformation refer to clear changes in neural structure and function. One of the most extraordinary transformations observed in developing organisms is metamorphosis. During this stage, some neurons may die, others alter their anatomy, take on a new function, and die at a later time. In some organisms, an entirely new sensory epithelium is formed, while in others, learned behavioral changes become biologically possible due to growth of cells that comprise a neural circuit.

Table of Contents

I. Lifelong Influences from the Beginning
Mechanisms of Activity-Dependent Motoneuron Development and Survival in the Chick Embryo	3	(12)
Ronald W. Oppenheim
Cochlear Influences on Development of the Brainstem Auditory System	15	(20)
Thomas N. Parks
Early Influences on Gustatory Development	35	(18)
David L. Hill
Influence of Early Salt Diet on Taste and Blood Pressure in Rats	53	(20)
Robert J. Contreras
II. Youthful Exposure
The Role of Early Experience in Olfactory Bulb Cell Survival	73	(14)
Brett Johnson
Michael Leon
Transneuronal Signals for Afferent Regulation in the Chick Auditory System	87	(18)
Richard L. Hyson
The Developmental Influence of Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission	105	(30)
Dan H. Sanes
Vibhakar C. Kotak
Kent K. Fitzgerald
III. Transformations
Metamorphosis as Midlife Crisis: What to Do with the Leftover Neurons?	135	(18)
Janis C. Weeks
Development of the Olfactory System in the African Clawed Frog, Xenopus Laevis	153	(18)
Gail D. Burd
Afferent Regulation of Developmental Fate in the Songbird Telencephalon	171	(14)
Frank Johnson
The Effects of Neuronal Growth and Social Experience on the Development of Behavioral Plasticity	185	(16)
Donald H. Edwards
Index	201