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Postnatal development of the mouse cerebral neocortex. III. Some dynamical aspects
Journal Fur Hirnforschung
|January 1, 1978
Summary
The postnatal maturation of cortical layers in mice follows a consistent sequence across different brain areas, with faster development occurring between 5 and 10 days. Maturation appears linked to location, with areas near the rhinal fissure developing earlier.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Understanding the sequence and timing of cortical layer maturation is crucial for comprehending brain development.
- Previous studies have investigated cytoarchitectonic development, but a comprehensive analysis across multiple sensory and motor areas is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively analyze the postnatal maturation of cortical layers in specific motor, sensory, visual, and auditory areas of the mouse brain.
- To determine the sequence of maturation for individual cortical layers (I-VI) and compare developmental rates across different areas.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative cytoarchitectonic analysis of neuronal densities and cortical depths.
- Study included motor areas (10, 4, 3, 2) and sensory/visual/auditory areas (5, 17, 18a, 18, 41, 20).
- Data collected and analyzed during postnatal development, specifically at 5-10 days and 10-30 days.
Main Results:
- A consistent sequence of cortical layer maturation (I/V -> VIb/VIa -> III/IV -> II) was observed across all 9 studied areas.
- Maturation proceeded significantly faster between 5 and 10 days compared to 10 and 30 days.
- Areas 17, 2, 3, 4, and 10 showed slower development in layers II, III, and IV between 5-10 days compared to areas 41, 20, 18, and 18a.
- Maturation patterns suggest a correlation with cortical area localization, particularly proximity to the rhinal fissure, rather than solely function.
Conclusions:
- The sequence of cortical layer maturation is largely conserved across different functional areas in mice.
- Postnatal cortical development, characterized by neuronal density and cortical depth, shows a rapid phase between 5-10 days, with adult features largely established by 30 days.
- Localization within the cortex, potentially influenced by gradients originating from specific structures like the rhinal fissure, plays a significant role in the timing of maturation.