Final answer:
During adaptive plasticity, neuronal changes include the formation of new synapses, synaptic pruning, changes in glial cell behavior, and the creation of new neurons. Synaptic plasticity, especially through LTP and LTD, and homeostatic plasticity with synaptic scaling and ion channel adjustments, are key to this process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neuronal Changes During Adaptive Plasticity
Adaptive plasticity involves significant changes in the neuronal structure and function in response to experiences or injury. Key processes include the creation of new synapses, synaptic pruning, alteration in glial cell behavior, and neurogenesis. Synaptic plasticity covers the strengthening or weakening of existing synapses, critical for learning and memory. Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are specific forms that occur within the hippocampus. Homeostatic plasticity, another aspect of adaptive changes, involves the adjustment of ion channels and synaptic scaling to maintain optimal neural excitability. Notably, experiments demonstrate the role of NMDA and AMPA receptors in this process. Memantine, a partial NMDA receptor antagonist, has shown to reduce excitotoxic effects, hinting at therapeutic applications of understanding adaptive plasticity.