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Sensitivity profile for orientation selectivity in the visual cortex of goggle-reared mice
Takamasa Yoshida1, Katsuya Ozawa, Shigeru Tanaka
1Laboratory for Visual Neurocomputing, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan.
Plos One
|July 14, 2012
Summary
Visual experience reshapes orientation selectivity in mouse visual cortex neurons. A critical period exists for this brain plasticity, with some adult plasticity also observed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Visual system plasticity
- Cortical development
Background:
- Ocular dominance plasticity is well-established.
- Experience-dependent plasticity of orientation selectivity is less understood.
- Investigating orientation selectivity plasticity is crucial for understanding visual development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate experience-dependent changes in orientation selectivity.
- To identify critical periods for orientation plasticity.
- To explore residual plasticity in adult mice.
Main Methods:
- Intrinsic signal imaging
- Two-photon calcium imaging
- Goggle rearing with vertical orientation exposure in mice
Main Results:
- Neurons showed increased preference for the experienced vertical orientation.
- Density of neurons responding to unexperienced orientations decreased.
- A critical period for orientation plasticity was identified between 4-7 weeks.
- Residual orientation plasticity was observed in adult mice.
Conclusions:
- Visual experience significantly alters orientation selectivity in the visual cortex.
- A critical developmental period exists for orientation plasticity.
- Adult mice retain some capacity for experience-dependent orientation plasticity.
- Different mechanisms may underlie plasticity in juvenile versus adult brains.
