The Modulation of Hippocampus Plasticity

The hippocampus is a brain region that plays a vital role not only in learning and memory but also in a variety of cognitive processes. Additionally, the hippocampus is known for its plasticity or its ability to adapt structural and functional properties in response to internal and external factors. This plasticity is intricately modulated by a variety of factors, including neurotransmitters (such as glutamate), neurotrophic factors (such as BDNF, IGF-1, VEGFα, and NGF), cytokines, chemokines, adipokines (such as leptin and adiponectin), and hormones (such as cortisol, beta-endorphins, thyroid hormones, and noradrenaline). Changes in the number, length, type, and shape of dendritic spines within the hippocampus can influence neurotransmission, and subsequently behavior, through modulation of glutamatergic neurons. There are several interventions, including pharmacological treatments (such as antidepressants or multimodal drugs) and non-pharmacological interventions (such as non-invasive brain stimulation of targeted regions, physical exercise, and an enriched environment) that promote neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus, resulting in beneficial effects on cognition and mood. Both types of therapies have the potential to increase connectivity between the hippocampus and other areas of the brain involved in motor and cognitive control, and thus, improve performance in specific tasks.