Neuroscience 2004 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 866.15 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Enhancement of spatial vision in adult mice induced by monocular deprivation. |
| Authors: |
Douglas, R. M.*1
; Alam, N. M.2
; Prusky, G. T.2
1Ophthalmology and Visual Sci., Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada 2AB, 4401 University Drive, V5Z 3N9, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Sensory Systems - Vision -- Visual cortex: Functional organization and circuitry |
| Session: |
866. Visual Cortex: Learning and Plasticity II Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Wednesday, October 27, 2004 10:00 AM-11:00 AM |
| Location: | San Diego Convention Center - Hall A-H, Board # V5 |
| Keywords: | optomotor, plasticity, acuity, binocular competition |
Previously, we have shown that monocular deprivation (MD) in adult mice does not have long-term consequences for spatial vision (Prusky & Douglas, 2003). The recent development of a virtual optomotor system (Douglas et al, SFN, 2003) has enabled us to test the short-term effects on spatial vision of adult MD. MD for a few hours did not affect visual acuity or contrast sensitivity. MD for five days, however, significantly enhanced the acuity of the non-deprived eye. Acuity was up 20% within one day, and it plateaued at 40% above pre-deprivation acuity (~0.4 c/d) after 3 days. Contrast sensitivity in the non-deprived eye also increased by 150 to 300%, depending on the spatial frequency, during the period of MD. When the deprived eye was opened after 5 days, the enhanced visual thresholds in the non-deprived eye began to decrease within a few hours, and returned to baseline levels over the next 7 to 10 days. The acuity of the deprived eye 1 day after the end of MD and beyond was not different than it was before MD (~0.4 c/d). These experiments reveal that there is significant plasticity of vision in the adult mouse well after the period when MD has been reported to shift ocular dominance. They also reveal that binocular competition suppresses the expression of low contrast and high spatial frequency vision in adults. A reinterpretation of the relationship between ocular dominance and functional vision may now be required.
Supported by NSERC
<B>Conflict of Interest:</B> RMD & GTP are owners of the company that makes the apparatus
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2004 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.
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