Related Experiment Videos
Developmental changes of nitric oxide synthase in the rat superior colliculus
F Tenório1, A Giraldi-Guimarães, R Mendez-Otero
1Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Journal of Neuroscience Research
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is present in the developing rat superior colliculus, with activity peaking around eye opening. This enzyme may play a role in the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is crucial for neuronal function.
- The superior colliculus is a key brain region for visual processing.
- Understanding NOS expression patterns is vital for comprehending neural development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental expression of NOS in the rat superior colliculus.
- To correlate NOS activity with key developmental milestones like eye opening.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry.
- Examined NOS presence in the superior colliculus from postnatal day 7 to adulthood in rats.
Main Results:
- NOS-positive cells and neuropil were detected in the developing and adult rat superior colliculus.
- Weak NOS staining appeared at postnatal day 7, increasing significantly by day 15 (eye opening).
- Adult-like NOS expression patterns were established by the third postnatal week.
Conclusions:
- NOS expression in the superior colliculus follows the initial retinotectal projection reorganization.
- NOS activity is potentially involved in synaptic remodeling and plasticity within the retinocollicular projection.