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At least 865 records · Page 48Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Visual cortex maps are optimized for uniform coverage.

Cat visual cortex contains a topographic map of visual space, plus superimposed, spatially periodic maps of ocular dominance, spatial frequency and orientation. It is hypothesized that the layout of these maps is determined by two constraints: continuity or smooth mapping of stimulus properties across the cortical surface, and coverage uniformity or uniform representation of combinations of map features over visual space. Here we use a quantitative measure of coverage uniformity (c') to test the hypothesis that cortical maps are optimized for coverage. When we perturbed the spatial relationships between ocular dominance, spatial frequency and orientation maps obtained in single regions of cortex, we found that cortical maps are at a local minimum for c'. This suggests that coverage optimization is an important organizing principle governing cortical map development.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Visual FMRI responses in human superior colliculus show a temporal-nasal asymmetry that is absent in lateral geniculate and visual cortex.

Eye patching has revealed enhanced saccadic latencies or attention effects when orienting toward visual stimuli presented in the temporal versus nasal hemifields of humans. Such behavioral advantages have been tentatively proposed to reflect possible temporal-nasal differences in the retinotectal pathway to the superior colliculus, rather than in the retinogeniculate pathway or visual cortex. However, this has not been directly tested with physiological measures in humans. Here, we examined responses of the human superior colliculus (SC) to contralateral visual field stimulation, using high spatial resolution fMRI, while manipulating which hemifield was stimulated and orthogonally which eye was patched. The SC responded more strongly to visual stimulation when eye-patching made this stimulation temporal rather than nasal. In contrast, the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) plus retinotopic cortical areas V1-V3 did not show any temporal-nasal differences and differed from the SC in this respect. These results provide the first direct physiological demonstration in humans that SC shows temporal-nasal differences that LGN and early visual cortex apparently do not. This may represent a temporal hemifield bias in the strength of the retinotectal pathway, leading to a preference for the contralateral hemifield in the contralateral eye.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

A study on the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the rat visual cortex.

The amino acid L-glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of vertebrates. NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) is one of the L-glutamate receptor subtypes. During a critical period of early postnatal development, the visual cortex is susceptible to experience-dependent modification of neuronal responses. Recently, the activation of NMDA receptors has been supposed as a prerequisite for the induction of such modification. We therefore investigated developmental changes of NMDA receptors in the rat visual cortex and questioned whether they could be related to the visual development. We assessed the density of [3H]-NMDA receptor in the visual cortex of normally reared rate (Group I) and visually deprived rats (Group II) using quantitative autoradiography. The density of [3H]-NMDA receptor was significantly lower in Group II than in group I during the early postnatal period, and increased rapidly by postnatal 1 week and, decreased after postnatal 5 weeks. These results suggested that NMDA receptors may play a role in neuronal development in the visual cortex during the early postnatal period.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Formation and functional significance of the dark receptive fields of the cat visual cortex].

Receptive fields (RFs) of single units in the 17th field of the visual cortex of immobilized cat were investigated under dark adaptation. The mean RF size was equal to 67 degrees and varied from 3 degrees up to 120 degrees. The RFs with centres located near gaze were from 3 degrees up to 120 degrees in dia, but with growth of excentricity the number of small RFs decreased, and in the region of 70 to 100 degrees from gaze only RFs with diameters equal to 100 degrees were found. The shape of "dark" RFs was either ellipsoidal (in most cases) or round. Detector properties (orientational, directional, size and velocity selectivity) of the "dark" RFs were significantly less manifest or absent. Under photopic light adaptation the same units reorganized their RFs to well known sizes and configuration. The hypothesis is discussed of the formation of local detector RF in the visual cortex in light adaptation by selective cortical inhibition which is activated in darkness only slightly. This view is an alternative to the commonly-accepted scheme of local cortical RF formation by the hierarchical and selective excitatory convergence.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Effects of ketamine on synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation in layer II/III of rat visual cortex in vitro.

The effects of ketamine, which has NMDA receptor antagonist properties, on synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation in layer II/III of adult rat visual cortex were examined in vitro. Field potentials were recorded in layer II/III following layer IV stimulation. Primed-burst stimulation was used for induction of long-term potentiation. Stimulation of layer IV resulted in a two-component response in layer II/III, a population excitatory postsynaptic potential1 (EPSP1) and a population excitatory postsynaptic potential2 (EPSP2). DL-2-Amino-5-phosphono-valeric acid (AP5), a competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, reduced the amplitude of the population EPSP1 while ketamine increased the amplitude of the population EPSP2. The results showed that primed-burst stimulation induced long-term potentiation in layer II/III of the visual cortex in vitro. Preincubation for 30 min with AP5 (25-100 microM) reduced the extent of long-term potentiation of the population EPSP2 and blocked the induction of long-term potentiation of the population EPSP1. When ketamine (100-200 microM) was present for 30 min prior to tetanic stimulation, it blocked the induction of long-term potentiation of the population EPSP1 and reduced the extent of long-term potentiation of the population EPSP2. We conclude that ketamine can interfere with synaptic transmission in the visual cortex. Primed-burst stimulation is an effective protocol for neocortical potentiation. NMDA receptors are involved in the induction of long-term potentiation by primed-burst stimulation of the population EPSP1 and population EPSP2 in adult rat visual cortex in vitro.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗
PubMed2006

Visual deprivation reactivates rapid ocular dominance plasticity in adult visual cortex.

Brief monocular deprivation (< or =3 d) induces a rapid shift in the ocular dominance of binocular neurons in the juvenile rodent visual cortex but is ineffective in adults. Here, we report that persistent, rapid, juvenile-like ocular dominance plasticity can be reactivated in adult rodent visual cortex when monocular deprivation is preceded by visual deprivation. Ocular dominance shifts in visually deprived adults are caused by a rapid depression of the response to stimulation of the deprived eye, previously only reported in juveniles, and a simultaneous potentiation of the response to stimulation of the nondeprived eye. The enhanced ocular dominance plasticity induced by visual deprivation persists for days, even if binocular vision precedes monocular deprivation. Visual deprivation also induces a significant decrease in the level of GABAA receptors relative to AMPA receptors and a return to the juvenile form of NMDA receptors in the visual cortex, two molecular changes that we propose enable the persistent reactivation of rapid ocular dominance plasticity.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Specialization of motor cortex neurons in rabbits under normal conditions and after ablation of the visual cortex.

The activity of motor cortex neurons in instrumental food-acquisition behavior is compared in two control rabbits and in three rabbits after bilateral ablation of the visual cortex. Although the same types of neuron specialization were found in the experimental and control animals, their numerical ratio differed markedly in two out of the three experimental rabbits in comparison with the controls: the number of neurons activated in the act of seizing food was halved, while the number of neurons activated in connection with acts of instrumental behavior doubled. The similarity of the processes underlying behavior learning and recovery is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Development of neurotransmitter parameters in lateral geniculate body, superior colliculus and visual cortex of the albino rat.

The postnatal development of some neurotransmitter parameters was measured in lateral geniculate body, superior colliculus and visual cortex of the rat. The following parameters were studied: (i) high-affinity uptake of L-glutamate or D-aspartate as markers for glutamergic neurons; (ii) high-affinity uptake of GABA, which reflects both glial and neuronal uptake of GABA; (iii) HA beta-alanine uptake as a marker for accumulation of GABA in glial structures; (iv) activity of glutamic acid decarboxylase which reflects GABAergic neurons; and (v) activity of choline acetyltransferase as a cholinergic marker. Km and Vmax were determined for high-affinity uptake of glutamate and GABA in newborn and adult animals. The possible glial influence on the uptake during development is discussed. In lateral geniculate body and visual cortex the HA glutamate uptake showed increasing activity from birth to adulthood, whereas in superior colliculus, the uptake was higher at birth, reaching a small significant peak after 12 days of age, and was then reduced to adult level. Km showed no such change between neonatal and adult animals. At birth, high-affinity GABA-uptake was similar to the adult level in superior colliculus and lateral geniculate body. In visual cortex, the uptake of GABA was 50% of adults. However, on day 15, the GABA uptake showed 2 to 3-fold higher activity in all regions when compared to adult level. Km for GABA uptake in neonatals and adults differed only in lateral geniculate body. High affinity uptake of beta-alanine was 50-80% lower in adults than in newborn rats. Glutamate decarboxylase activity, however, increased continuously in all 3 regions examined. This was true also for choline acetyltransferase.

Alanine↗
PubMed2006

Development and plasticity-related changes in protein expression patterns in cat visual cortex: a fluorescent two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis approach.

During early postnatal brain development, changes in visual input can lead to specific alteration of function and connectivity in mammalian visual cortex. In cat, this so-called critical period exhibits maximal sensory-driven adaptations around postnatal day 30 (P30), and ceases toward adulthood. We examined the molecular framework that directs age- and experience-dependent plasticity in cat visual cortex, by comparing protein expression profiles at eye opening (postnatal day 10 (P10), when experience-dependent plasticity starts), the peak of the critical period (P30), and in adulthood. Using 2-D DIGE, we performed comparisons of P10-P30 and P30-adult brain protein samples. Sixty protein spots showed statistically significant intensity changes in at least one comparison. Fifty-one spots were identified using quadrupole-TOF MS/MS or LC-MS/MS, containing 37 different proteins. The progressive increase or decrease in protein expression levels could be correlated to age-dependent postnatal brain development. Four spots containing transferrin, 14-3-3 alpha/beta and cypin, showed maximal protein expression levels at P30, thereby showing a positive correlation to critical period plasticity. Western analysis indeed revealed a clear effect of visual deprivation on cypin expression in cat visual cortex. Our results therefore demonstrate the power of 2-D DIGE as a tool toward understanding the molecular basis of nervous system development and plasticity.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Differential depression of inhibitory synaptic responses in feedforward and feedback circuits between different areas of mouse visual cortex.

Recordings of synaptic responses of pyramidal neurons to feedback (FB) inputs from higher to lower areas of visual cortex show that excitatory synaptic responses are only weakly opposed by disynaptic inhibition. Whether weak inhibition is preserved at high frequencies remains unknown. Whole-cell recordings were performed in pyramidal cells of mouse visual cortex to study the frequency dependence of excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs, IPSCs) elicited by feedforward (FF) input from the primary visual cortex (V1) to the higher lateromedial area (LM) and by FB input from the LM to V1. EPSCs showed similar frequency dependencies in FF and FB pathways; the amplitudes decreased during stimulus trains, and the depression was larger at higher frequencies. IPSCs decreased during repetitive stimulation, and the depression increased at higher frequencies. At >20 Hz, the depression of IPSCs in the FB pathway was greater than in the FF pathway. Thus, unlike FF circuits, FB circuits provide balanced excitatory and inhibitory inputs across a wide range of frequencies. This property was shown to be critically important in cortical circuits that modulate the gain of pyramidal cell firing (Chance et al. [2002] Neuron 35:773-782).

6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione↗
PubMed1998

Chronic exposure to either somatostatin (SS) or octreotide, a long-lasting SS analogue, affects SS expression in the postnatal visual cortex of the rat.

The peptide somatostatin (SS) is widely distributed in the mammalian brain where it modulates neuronal activity through interactions with specific membrane-bound receptor subtypes (ssts). Five different ssts were characterized so far (sst1-5) and their selective agonists were developed on the basis of their binding specificity. SS and ssts are transiently expressed in the developing brain, suggesting a functional role of somatostatinergic systems in neuronal maturation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic exposure to either the SS synthetic analogue, SS-14 or octreotide (a long-acting sst2-preferring analogue) on the maturation of SS-immunoreactivity (-ir) in the primary visual cortex of the rat. SS-ir maturation was investigated both by an evaluation of the number of SS-immunoreactive cells and by radioimmunoassay (RIA) to measure the levels of SS in the postnatal visual cortex. In the visual cortex of normal rats, the number of SS-positive cells markedly increased during the second postnatal week and then significantly decreased until the adult value was reached at the third week. Early and repeated intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of either SS-14 or octreotide prevented the increase in the number of SS-positive cells, with adult values reached at the end of the first postnatal week. Similarly, administration of either SS-14 or octreotide significantly decreased the SS content of the visual cortex, measured at the end of the second postnatal week. These results show that high local concentrations of either SS-14 or octreotide interfere with SS expression in developing cortical neurons in a restricted postnatal period.

Aging↗
PubMed2004

Alpha7 but not alpha4 AChR subunit expression is regulated by light in developing primary visual cortex.

In the present paper we analyzed the expression pattern of the alpha4 and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits in the rat visual cortex through postnatal development, to clarify whether their expression is developmentally regulated and whether eventual developmental changes are regulated by visual experience. We found that both alpha4 and alpha7 mRNA levels accumulate from postnatal day 12 (P12) before eye opening, to around P35. The immunohistochemical results indicated that both subunits are expressed throughout all cortical laminae, except layer I. Alpha4 subunit immunohistochemistry revealed significant increments in the number of positive cells in layers V and VI after eye opening. In the case of the alpha7 subunit, the number of immunoreactive cells increased in all cortical layers soon after eye opening, except in layer VI, matching the results found at the transcriptional level. In animals reared in darkness from P9 to P22, the relative amount of the alpha4 mRNA and the number of immunoreactive cells exhibited no changes. 3H-epibatidine binding experiments showed that the number of heteromeric nAChR subunits in dark-reared rats did not change with respect to age-matched controls, thus confirming the immunohistochemical results. The mRNA of the alpha7 subunit remained stable in dark-reared rats, whereas the number and distribution of immunoreactive cells changed. Moreover, the number of 125I alphabungarotoxin-binding nAChRs was significantly increased in dark-reared animals. These results indicate that visual cortex stimulation by visual input is an essential step for alpha7 nAChR normal expression, suggesting a possible role for these receptors in an experience-dependent fashion on the maturation of this cortical area.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

The projection from V1 to extrastriate area 21a: a second patchy efferent pathway colocalizes with the CO blob columns in cat visual cortex.

The different patchy organizations of neurons projecting from primary visual cortex (area 17) to the various extrastriate areas may contribute to functional differences in the output to each of these areas. The pattern of neurons projecting to extrastriate area 21a was examined using large injections of retrograde tracers and compared to the pattern shown by neurons projecting to the lateral suprasylvian area (LS). Patches of neurons projecting to 21a showed a bimodal laminar distribution, with numerous labeled cells in the upper and lower third of layer 3 bracketing a sparsely labeled central third; LS-projecting neurons were confined to the lower and middle thirds of layer 3. The 21a projecting cells were relatively tighter in their clustering pattern than the LS projecting cells, i. e. the difference in labeling density between patch and interpatch zones was greater for 21a-projecting cells than for LS-projecting cells. As previously shown for the LS-projecting cells, patches of 21a-projecting cells colocalized with CO blob columns in area 17. Combined with our earlier results, this study shows that the CO blob compartments in area 17 give rise to at least two distinct efferent pathways, one projecting to LS and the other to 21a, and furthermore suggest that each pathway may carry unique information to its extrastriate target.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Pre- and postnatal development of GABA receptors in Macaca monkey visual cortex.

GABA is a putative inhibitory neurotransmitter in adult mammalian visual cortex but also has been implicated as playing a crucial role in cortical information processing during development. In order to understand better the role of GABA during primate visual cortex development, we have examined the time course of GABAA and GABAB receptor ontogenesis in 18 Macaca nemestrina monkeys ranging from fetal day 61 (F61d) to adulthood. The GABA and benzodiazepine binding sites of the GABAA receptor were detected by 3H-muscimol (3H-MS) and 3H-flunitrazepam (3H-FZ), respectively. GABAB receptors were detected by 3H-baclofen (3H-BA). All ligands were visualized by in vitro autoradiography. Quantitative analysis of film density was done to compare laminar changes during pre- and postnatal development. Saturation binding experiments were done for MS and FZ binding sites to determine receptor number (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) at selected pre- and postnatal ages. Both MS and FZ binding sites were present at F61d-72d throughout the cortical plate and marginal zone. FZ binding sites were more dense than MS binding sites over the cortical plate at young ages and were especially dense over the marginal zone. FZ binding sites also were present in lesser amounts over the subplate and intermediate zone, but not over the subventricular zone. By F119d-126d, layer 4 could be distinguished by its higher density for both ligands. The basic adult laminar pattern was established for both MS and BZ binding sites by birth (birth = F165d-170d). After birth, MS density increases dramatically in all layers, but layer 4C remains most dense to adulthood. FZ labeling is heavy in both layers 4 and 3 at birth but after 4 weeks after birth (P4 wk) it declines somewhat in the supragranular layers so that layer 4C now predominates. Labeling in layers 5/6 virtually disappears after birth. BA binding sites were present at F126d, at which time layer 4 was slightly lighter than the remainder of striate cortex; this laminar pattern remained basically the same throughout our series to adulthood. Competitive binding of agonist and antagonists for the GABAA receptor showed that MS binding characteristics were similar at F126d and P8.5 years (yr). MS binding site Bmax was about 8% of adult values at F72d, 24% by F126d, and 56% at F152d. Bmax then rose rapidly after birth to peak at P18wk at 169% of adult values, and then declined to P1yr. A second peak of 143% was found around P3.5yr, with adult values reached by P8.5yr.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Aging↗
PubMed1997

24-hour rhythmicity of NADPH-diaphorase activity in the neuropil of rat visual cortex.

In the present study we examined the daytime-dependent alterations of nitric oxide synthase in the visual cortex of the rat. For this purpose, the activity of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d), an enzyme equivalent to nitric oxide synthase, was measured histochemically in rat visual cortex at 0600, 1200, 1800, and 2400 h using a photometric scanning method. Our results show day-time-dependent changes of the NADPH-d activity in the neuropil of the visual cortex. This was highest at 0600 h and decreased between 1200 h and 1800 h (unimodal profile of circadian activity). The number of NADPH-d-positive neuronal somata was not found to vary at the different time points.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Symmetry activates extrastriate visual cortex in human and nonhuman primates.

Humans often create and appreciate visual symmetry in their environment, and the underlying brain mechanisms have been a topic of increasing interest. Here, symmetric versus random dot stimuli produced robust functional MRI (fMRI) activity in higher-order regions of human visual cortex (especially areas V3A, V4, V7, and LO) but little activity elsewhere in brain. This fMRI response was found both with and without attention controls. Moreover, it was highly correlated with the psychophysical perception of symmetry. Similar symmetry responses were found by using line-based and dot stimuli and were found at a wide range of stimulus sizes and geometric configurations. Weaker symmetry responses were found in analogous regions of macaque visual cortex by using fMRI techniques with higher sensitivity. This evidence suggests that visual symmetry is specifically enhanced in the human brain, but that the underlying neural mechanisms may nevertheless be resolvable in nonhuman primates.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Coexistence of linear zones and pinwheels within orientation maps in cat visual cortex.

Revealing the layout of cortical maps is important both for understanding the processes involved in their development and for uncovering the mechanisms underlying neural computation. The typical organization of orientation maps in the cat visual cortex is radial; complete orientation cycles are mapped around orientation singularities. In contrast, long linear zones of orientation representation have been detected in the primary visual cortex of the tree shrew. In this study, we searched for the existence of long linear sequences and wide linear zones within orientation preference maps of the cat visual cortex. Optical imaging based on intrinsic signals was used. Long linear sequences and wide linear zones of preferred orientation were occasionally detected along the border between areas 17 and 18, as well as within area 18. Adjacent zones of distinct radial and linear organizations were observed across area 18 of a single hemisphere. However, radial and linear organizations were not necessarily segregated; long (7.5 mm) linear sequences of preferred orientation were found embedded within a typical pinwheel-like organization of orientation. We conclude that, although the radial organization is dominant, perfectly linear organization may develop and perform the processing related to orientation in the cat visual cortex.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Distribution of acetylcholinesterase and zinc in the visual cortex of the mouse.

The distributions of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and zinc-containing boutons and their cells of origin in the visual cortex of the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) are described. The primary visual area is defined by both acetylcholinesterase and zinc staining. The AChE staining pattern is dark in upper layer I and layers IV and VI. It is light in layers II/III and V. The lack of a densely stained layer IV in the secondary visual cortices defines the borders between primary and secondary areas. Large, multipolar AChE-positive neurons are located throughout the cortical layers, but preferentially in layer VI. Dense zinc-positive neuropil in the primary visual cortex is apparent in layer Ib, upper layer II/III, and layers V and VI. Neurons that give rise to zinc-containing boutons are situated in layers II/III and VI. The medial and lateral borders can be distinguished by a bold contrast of staining in lower layer II/III; the secondary areas have more zinc-positive neurons, and the neuropil stains darker. A surprising observation of this study is the disparity between the mouse and rat visual cortex of the AChE staining pattern. Layer V is very light in the mouse, whereas a dark stain has been described in layer V of the rat. Layer VI stains heavily in the mouse while less AChE activity has been observed in layer VI of the rat.

Acetylcholinesterase↗