Selective and constructive mechanisms contribute to neural circuit formation in the barrel cortex of the developing rat

摘要: The cellular strategy leading to formation of neuronal circuits in the rodent barrel cortex is still a matter controversy. Both selective and constructive mechanisms have been proposed. mechanism involves an overproduction processes synapses followed by activity dependent pruning. Conversely, would increase number axons, dendrites, during development match functionality. In order discern contributions these two establishing circuit somatosensory cortex, morphometric analysis dendritic axonal arbor growth was performed. Also, electron microscopy first month life. We observed that arbors retracted distal branches, elongated proximal resulting increased complexity. This remodeling accompanied steady within hollows. Similarly, content molecular markers for axons also this period. Finally, cytochrome oxidase rose with age barrels indicating became more complex while synapse density metabolic demands increased. Our results support simultaneous use both circuitry.