Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 7.10 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | The subplate is required for functional maturation of thalamocortical synapses. |
| Authors: |
Kanold, P. O.*1
; Shatz, C. J.1
1Dept. of NeuroBiol., Harvard Med. Sch., Boston, MA |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Development - Synaptogenesis and Activity-Dependent Development -- Activity-dependent development and plasticity |
| Session: |
7. Activity-dependent Development and Plasticity I Slide |
| Presentation Time: | Saturday, November 8, 2003 3:15 PM-3:15 PM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Room 255 |
| Keywords: | visual cortex, columnar maturation, critical period, PATCH CLAMP |
The subplate forms a transient circuit that is required for the development of axonal projections between thalamus and cerebral cortex. Subplate neurons are in a key, intermediate position to control the flow of information into the developing cortex when first spontaneous (prenatal) and then visual (postnatal) activity are present in visual cortex. The fact that ocular dominance columns (ODCs) emerge even before the onset of patterned visual experience, poses the question how subplate neurons influence the functional development of cortex. When subplate neurons are ablated after the arrival of thalamic inputs to layer 4 (P7-P10), ODCs do not form despite the robust presence of thalamic axons. In addition, functional orientation maps are disorganized and visual responses are weak (Kanold, Kara, Reid & Shatz, Abstr. SFN, 2001). Here we show by in vitro slice recordings and in vivo CSD measurements that such late ablation results in reduced efficacy of thalamocortical synaptic transmission 3 weeks later, whereas transmission from layer 4 to layer 2/3 is unaffected. Furthermore, GluR1 mRNA expression is lower in layer 4 of ablated areas than in control areas. We conclude that subplate circuits are essential not only for the anatomical segregation of thalamic inputs, but also for strengthening of functional inputs to layer 4 neurons.
Supported by NIH ROI EY02858(CJS), F32 EY1352(POK).
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
Copyright © 2003-2026 Society for Neuroscience; all rights reserved. Permission to republish any abstract or part of any abstract in any form must be obtained in writing by SfN office prior to publication.
