Visual Cortical Plasticity: Molecular Mechanisms as Revealed by Induction Paradigms in Rodents
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Updated: Aug 7, 2025
Monocular Visual Deprivation and Ocular Dominance Plasticity Measurement in the Mouse Primary Visual Cortex
Published on: February 8, 2020
Francisco M Ribeiro1,2, Miguel Castelo-Branco1,2,3, Joana Gonçalves1,2
1Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
Abstract:
Assessing the molecular mechanism of synaptic plasticity in the cortex is vital for identifying potential targets in conditions marked by defective plasticity. In plasticity research, the visual cortex represents a target model for intense investigation, partly due to the availability of different in vivo plasticity-induction protocols. Here, we review two major protocols: ocular-dominance (OD) and cross-modal (CM) plasticity in rodents, highlighting the molecular signaling pathways involved. Each plasticity paradigm has also revealed the contribution of different populations of inhibitory and excitatory neurons at different time points. Since defective synaptic plasticity is common to various neurodevelopmental disorders, the potentially disrupted molecular and circuit alterations are discussed. Finally, new plasticity paradigms are presented, based on recent evidence. Stimulus-selective response potentiation (SRP) is one of the paradigms addressed. These options may provide answers to unsolved neurodevelopmental questions and offer tools to repair plasticity defects.
Insights
This review explores molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex, focusing on ocular-dominance (OD) and cross-modal (CM) plasticity. It discusses implications for neurodevelopmental disorders and introduces new paradigms like stimulus-selective response potentiation (SRP).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroplasticity Research
Background:
- Synaptic plasticity in the cortex is crucial for understanding and treating conditions with impaired plasticity.
- The visual cortex is a key model for studying in vivo plasticity due to established induction protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major in vivo plasticity protocols in the visual cortex: ocular-dominance (OD) and cross-modal (CM) plasticity.
- To highlight the molecular signaling pathways and neuronal populations involved in these plasticity paradigms.
- To discuss the role of disrupted plasticity in neurodevelopmental disorders and introduce novel plasticity paradigms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ocular-dominance (OD) and cross-modal (CM) plasticity in rodents.
- Analysis of molecular signaling pathways and neuronal contributions.
- Discussion of new plasticity paradigms, including stimulus-selective response potentiation (SRP).
Main Results:
- Ocular-dominance (OD) and cross-modal (CM) plasticity protocols reveal distinct molecular signaling pathways and neuronal contributions over time.
- Defective synaptic plasticity is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, involving specific molecular and circuit alterations.
- Emerging paradigms like stimulus-selective response potentiation (SRP) offer new avenues for research.
Conclusions:
- Understanding molecular mechanisms of cortical plasticity is vital for therapeutic target identification.
- Novel plasticity paradigms provide tools to address neurodevelopmental questions and repair plasticity defects.
