Neuronal, glial and synaptic remodeling in the adult hypothalamus: functional consequences and role of cell surface and extracellular matrix adhesion molecules

DT Theodosis, R Piet, DA Poulain, SHR Oliet - Neurochemistry …, 2004 - Elsevier
The adult hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system (HNS) undergoes activity-dependent
morphological plasticity which modifies astrocytic coverage of its oxytocinergic neurons and
their synaptic inputs. Thus, during physiological conditions that enhance central and
peripheral release of oxytocin (OT), adjacent somata and dendrites of OT neurons become
extensively juxtaposed, without intervening astrocytic processes and receive an increased
number of synapses. The morphological changes occur within a few hours and are …