Abstract
Experience as well as genetic programs affect brain development. While most studies of experience-dependent effects have focused only on neuronal function, recent research has revealed that glia also can exert a substantial influence on experience-dependent brain development. We have found that oligodendrocytes, a type of glial cell that produces myelin in the central nervous system, are sensitive to social experience, and their response to this experience can lead to profound differences in brain function. Considering our work together with that recently described by another group, we discuss social experience-dependent myelination in the prefrontal cortex, especially as it relates to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and pervasive developmental disorder, two maladies where the function of the prefrontal cortex is disturbed.
