The effects of the dynamic state of the cytoskeleton on neuronal plasticity.

The effects of degrading and stabilizing microtubules and microfilaments on the formation of plastic reactions were studied in isolated nerve cells from the mollusk Lymnaea stagnalis. Degradation of the cytoskeleton affected the performance, retention, and repeated acquisition of plastic reactions. Stabilization of microtubules led to the appearance of a relationship between the dynamics of the development and retention of plastic reactions and the series of stimulation. Stabilization of microfilaments led to transient plastic reaction, along with long-term reactions. These results show that rearrangements of the cytoskeleton have a key role in the processes of neuronal plasticity.