The role of enriched environment in neural development and repair

Abstract

In addition to genetic information, environmental factors play an important role in the structure and function of nervous system and the occurrence and development of some nervous system diseases. Enriched environment (EE) can not only promote normal neural development through enhancing neuroplasticity but also play a nerve repair role in restoring functional activities during CNS injury by morphological and cellular and molecular adaptations in the brain. Different stages of development after birth respond to the environment to varying degrees. Therefore, we systematically review the pro-developmental and anti-stress value of EE during pregnancy, pre-weaning, and “adolescence” and analyze the difference in the effects of EE and its sub-components, especially with physical exercise. In our exploration of potential mechanisms that promote neurodevelopment, we have found that not all sub-components exert maximum value throughout the developmental phase, such as animals that do not respond to physical activity before weaning, and that EE is not superior to its sub-components in all respects. EE affects the developing and adult brain, resulting in some neuroplastic changes in the microscopic and macroscopic anatomy, finally contributing to enhanced learning and memory capacity. These positive promoting influences are particularly prominent regarding neural repair after neurobiological disorders. Taking cerebral ischemia as an example, we analyzed the molecular mediators of EE promoting repair from various dimensions. We found that EE does not always lead to positive effects on nerve repair, such as infarct size. In view of the classic issues such as standardization and relativity of EE have been thoroughly discussed, we finally focus on analyzing the essentiality of the time window of EE action and clinical translation in order to devote to the future research direction of EE and rapid and reasonable clinical application.

The Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Attention Optimization Research: A Review from Basic Theory to Findings in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Depression

“…Dopamine, for example, plays a role in reward and motivation, and its release can be modulated by sustained attention tasks, contributing to improved attentional performance. Environmental enrichment: exposure to enriched environments with varied sensory and cognitive stimuli fosters neuroplasticity, encourages the growth of new neural connections, and supports cognitive functions, including attention [ 38 ]. Recovery from injury: Neuroplasticity is crucial for postinjury recovery.…”

Parental enriched environment: A look through key temporary windows

“…The EE paradigm has become one of the most successful general concepts in experimental biology and psychology. Studies on the effects of EE are numerous, and its effects on brain development and function have been robustly demonstrated and reviewed 18–22 …”

“…Studies on the effects of EE are numerous, and its effects on brain development and function have been robustly demonstrated and reviewed. [18][19][20][21][22] In rodents, EE refers to experimental housing conditions which include inanimate objects, the opportunity of voluntary physical exercise, and social stimuli, and which have been designed to study the effects of complex social and sensory experience on the brain and behavior. Although the configuration of the EE varies considerably between research groups, it usually consists of larger-than-usual cages containing various play elements, such as running wheels, tunnels, balls, nesting material, shelters, ramps, and generally a large number of subjects per cage.…”

Valuing embodiment: insights from dance practice among people living with dementia

“…Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to modify, change, and adapt both structure and function throughout life and in response to experience ( 61 , 62 ). whereas access to new physical spaces, learning new skills, training memory, playing games, participating in activities associated with spatial learning and motor coordination (i.e., sports, artistic and creative activities,) and a developed social life all constitute an enriched environment (EE) ( 63 ). EE benefits global brain health domains resulting in neuroplasticity ( 64 ).…”