The Role of GABAergic Inhibition in Ocular Dominance Plasticity
Author Information
Author(s): J. Alexander Heimel, Daniëlle van Versendaal, Christiaan N. Levelt
Primary Institution: Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
Hypothesis
The development of inhibitory innervation is essential for the onset of the sensitive period of ocular dominance plasticity.
Conclusion
The study highlights the critical role of GABAergic inhibition in regulating the sensitive periods of plasticity in the visual cortex.
Supporting Evidence
- The maturation of inhibitory innervation is crucial for the sensitive period onset.
- BDNF and IGF-1 are key factors that accelerate the development of inhibitory synapses.
- Fast-spiking Parvalbumin expressing basket cells are important for initiating the sensitive period.
Takeaway
This study shows that the brain's ability to change and adapt, especially in young animals, is influenced by how well the inhibitory signals work.
Methodology
The study reviews various molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate the onset and offset of sensitive periods in the visual cortex.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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