Interrelationships between neuroplasticity and recovery of function after cerebellar lesions in rats

The present paper reviews the data obtained in our laboratory in the study of the relationships between brain plasticity and functional recovery after hemicerebellectomies at different developmental stages in rats. The model is based on the analysis of the motor performances in rats hemicerebellectomized (HCbed) neonatally or in adulthood. The rationale of this approach lays on the presence of extensive neuronal remodelling only after the neonatal lesion. Thus, by comparing the motor behaviors of both experimental groups, it is possible to infer the effects of the newly formed circuitries on the postlesional behavior. The data here presented demonstrate that, in this model, the neuroanatomical reorganization is associated with efficient postlesional performances and that these results are achieved through the development of unique motor strategies not present either during development, or in normal adults or in rats HCbed in adulthood. These findings are discussed taking into account the different theoretical issues focused, in the recent literature, on neuroplasticity.