Adenosine and Astrocytes Control Critical Periods of Neural Plasticity

Windows of plasticity are fundamental for the correct formation of definitive brain circuits; these periods drive sensory and motor learning during development and ultimately learning and memory in adults. However, establishing windows of plasticity also imposes limitations on the central nervous system in terms of its capacity to recover from injury. Recent evidence highlights the important role that astrocytes and adenosine seem to play in controlling the duration of these critical periods of plasticity.