The capacity of the brain to adapt to experience has long been associated with synaptic plasticity; however, recent evidence demonstrates that experience-driven neural activity also modulates white matter organization through dynamic regulation of oligodendrocyte lineage cells and myelination. Activity-dependent myelination has emerged as a complementary form of neuroplasticity that contributes to circuit efficiency, temporal coordination, and cognitive function. This review aims to examine the neurobiological mechanisms linking cognitive stimulation and activity-dependent neuronal signaling with oligodendroglial dynamics and adaptive myelination. A narrative review of experimental and translational studies was conducted, focusing on evidence from animal models and human research exploring neuron–oligodendroglia interactions, neurotransmitter-mediated signaling, learning paradigms, physical exercise, and neuromodulatory interventions relevant to myelination and brain plasticity. Accumulating evidence indicates that cognitive stimulation, learning, and physical activity modulate neuronal firing patterns and neurotransmitter release, influencing oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation, differentiation, and myelin remodeling. Neurotransmitters such as glutamate, GABA, dopamine, and acetylcholine play key roles in neuron–oligodendroglia communication, largely through calcium-dependent intracellular signaling pathways. These mechanisms have been associated with experience-dependent circuit refinement across motor, cognitive, and stress-related paradigms. Rather than implying direct clinical effects, this review highlights oligodendroglial plasticity as a biologically plausible substrate through which cognitive and behavioral experiences may influence adaptive myelination and white matter integrity. Understanding these mechanisms provides a conceptual framework for future research exploring non-pharmacological approaches to modulate brain plasticity at the level of myelin.
Chauca et al. (Sat,) studied this question.