Development and Plasticity of The Retinocollicular Projection

摘要: Brain development and function depend on intrinsic extrinsic factors. In particular, the proper functioning of sensory systems can be altered according to quality information received during life. this context, questions concerning neuroplasticity take special relevance when considering that experience has a big impact degree plasticity brain. thesis, we have sought understand how visual deprivation affects maintenance centers in brain role throughout We addressed question by studying retinocollicular projection, which is neuronal pathway connects retina with input processing center, superior colliculus (SC). Unexpectedly, found Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) size receptive fields (RFs) neurons SC plastic adult animals if they been deprived minimum juveniles. Specifically, dark-reared (DR) refine RFs as do their normally-reared counterparts, but lose RF refinement remain dark after get refined. well defined period duration stabilize adulthood. Furthermore, investigate mechanisms increased DR hamsters. By testing strength intracollicular inhibition using electrophysiological molecular techniques, visually-deprived weaker inhibitory circuitry than normal animals. The quantity GABA receptors containing decreased propose these results explain at least part enlargement find Knowledge from study provides general insight into system adulthood new about relevant for treatments diseases. INDEX WORDS: Neural plasticity, Superior colliculus, Visual deprivation, GABA, Inhibitory DEVELOPMENT AND PLASTICITY OF THE RETINOCOLLICULAR PROJECTION