Rapid remodeling of axonal arbors in the visual cortex
1W. M. Keck Foundation Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 18, 1993
Summary
Monocular occlusion rapidly alters visual cortex structure. Axonal branches retract quickly, indicating synapses become ineffective before anatomical withdrawal, impacting visual development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Visual System Research
Background:
- During critical developmental periods, visual deprivation impacts neuronal responses in the visual cortex.
- Previous studies indicated anatomical changes in nerve terminals occurred weeks after visual deprivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the timing and nature of anatomical changes in the visual cortex following monocular occlusion.
- To determine if synapses become physiologically ineffective before observable anatomical withdrawal.
Main Methods:
- Reconstruction of single geniculocortical axonal arbors in cats.
- Utilizing both brief and prolonged periods of monocular occlusion.
Main Results:
- Striking axonal rearrangements were observed in both brief and prolonged monocular occlusion.
- Rapid withdrawal of axonal branches from the deprived eye was evident.
Conclusions:
- Axonal branches bearing synapses respond rapidly to altered neuronal activity patterns.
- Synaptic ineffectiveness precedes anatomical withdrawal of axonal branches during visual deprivation.
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