The minimal provision principle of functional systems. Neuronal mechanisms.

An important characteristic of the developing nerve cell is its ability to function long before maturity. At this time, the neuron has the basic properties of an excitable membrane, an incompletely developed dendritic tree, and a low level of afferent input. All of these factors hinder the initiation of synaptic and spike potentials. It is proposed that the functional potential of neurons at the early stages of development are provided by an adaptive system, which may include: 1) the excess phenomenon, i.e., increases in the numbers of nerve cells, their processes, spines, and synapses; 2) factors increasing the chances of meeting the expected afferentation, i.e., the orientation and growth of dendrites towards the afferent input and the structure and localization of branch points; 3) factors facilitating the initiation of nerve spikes i.e., juvenile channels for ion current generation, electrical interactions between cells, and additional trigger zones. These groups of properties solve a single common problem: that of facilitating cells to respond to single or weak signals. This is the basic condition supporting the operation of interneuron interactions at the early stages of brain development.