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Related Experiment Videos

Synaptic density in human frontal cortex - developmental changes and effects of aging.

P R Huttenlocher

    Brain Research
    |March 16, 1979
    PubMed
    Summary

    Synaptic density in the human middle frontal gyrus remains stable in adulthood but declines slightly in old age. Neonatal synaptic density is high, peaking in early childhood before decreasing in late development.

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    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Developmental Biology
    • Human Anatomy

    Background:

    • Synaptic density is a key indicator of brain function and connectivity.
    • Understanding age-related changes in synaptic density is crucial for comprehending cognitive aging and neurodevelopmental processes.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To quantify synaptic density in the human middle frontal gyrus across the lifespan.
    • To investigate developmental changes and age-related alterations in synaptic density.

    Main Methods:

    • Quantification of synaptic profiles in layer 3 of the middle frontal gyrus using the phosphotungstic acid method.
    • Analysis of 21 normal human brains ranging from newborn to 90 years old.
    • Tissue fixation up to 36 hours postmortem was utilized.

    Main Results:

    • Synaptic density was high in neonates, comparable to adults.
    • Synaptic density peaked around 1-2 years of age, approximately 50% above the adult mean.
    • Adult synaptic density (ages 16-72) remained constant (11.05 x 10^8 synapses/cu.mm), with a slight decline in the aged (74-90 years; 9.56 x 10^8 synapses/cu.mm).
    • A decrease in neuronal density accompanied the decline in synaptic density between ages 2-16 years.

    Conclusions:

    • Human cerebral cortex exhibits a late developmental event involving the loss of neurons and synapses.
    • Synaptic density undergoes significant changes during early development and shows a modest decline in advanced age.

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