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In Vivo Visualization of Spontaneous Activity in Neonatal Mouse Sensory Cortex at a Single-Neuron Resolution
Published on: November 21, 2023
Development of direction selectivity in mouse cortical neurons.
Nathalie L Rochefort1, Madoka Narushima, Christine Grienberger
1Institute of Neuroscience and Center for Integrated Protein Science, Technical University Munich, Biedersteinerstrasse 29, 80802 Munich, Germany.
Neuron
|August 13, 2011
Summary
Early development of direction selectivity in mouse visual cortex is independent of visual experience, unlike in ferrets. This suggests distinct developmental pathways for orientation and direction selectivity in the mouse brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Visual System Development
- Cortical Plasticity
Background:
- Direction selectivity in the visual cortex is crucial for processing motion.
- Previous studies in ferrets suggested visual experience is necessary for its development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental timeline of direction selectivity in mouse visual cortex layer 2/3 neurons.
- To determine the role of visual experience in the development of orientation and direction selectivity.
Main Methods:
- In vivo two-photon calcium imaging in mouse visual cortex.
- Recording neuronal responses to drifting gratings.
- Comparing development in normally reared and dark-reared mice.
Main Results:
- Nearly all orientation-selective neurons were direction selective shortly after eye opening.
- Direction selectivity developed normally in dark-reared mice, independent of visual input.
- Functional similarities were observed between cortical and retinal direction selectivity development.
Conclusions:
- Early development of direction selectivity in the mouse visual cortex is experience-independent.
- Mouse visual system development differs significantly from that of ferrets.
- Distinct mechanisms govern the development of orientation and direction selectivity in mice.
