The quantitative effects of dark-rearing and light exposure on the laminar composition and depth distribution of neurons and glia in the visual cortex (area 17) of the rat

Experimental Brain Research
P L GabbottS P Rose

Abstract

The effects of dark-rearing and light-exposure on the distribution of neurons and glial cells types in the rat visual cortex (area 17) have been investigated. Three groups of animals were studied: rats reared in the dark until weaning at 21 days post natum (21 DPN) and subsequently light-exposed for 31 days (Group 21/31); rats dark-reared until 52 DPN and then exposed to light for 3 days (Group 3 dL); and rats totally dark-reared until 52 DPN (Group 52 dD). Semithin sections tangential to the pial surface were obtained at sampling intervals 50 micron apart throughout the depth of the left visual cortex. The volume numerical densities of neurons, astroglia, oligodendroglia, and microglia, at each sampling strata in the cortex were calculated using stereological techniques. The laminer density and distribution of neurons was not significantly different between the three groups. In comparison with group 21/31 there was a marked reduction in the densities of astroglia, oligodendroglia, and microglia in lower layer 5 of groups 3 dL and 52 dD. Additionally, the density of microglia in thalamorecipeint layer 4 was greatly increased in group 3 dL compared with groups 21/31 and 52 dD. These results indicate specific alterations in the g...Continue Reading

Citations

Sep 2, 1996·Brain Research·E G Argandoña, J V Lafuente
Dec 4, 2003·Brain Research. Developmental Brain Research·Nurhan ConSuleyman Kaplan
Mar 20, 2003·Brain Research. Developmental Brain Research·Enrike G ArgandoñaJose V Lafuente
Jul 17, 1999·Brain Research. Developmental Brain Research·F Miskevich
Aug 21, 2013·Neuroscience·K E WeaverI Fine
Nov 22, 2005·Brain Research. Developmental Brain Research·N RochefortC Milleret
Jul 19, 2005·Brain Research. Brain Research Reviews·Bin JiangAlfredo Kirkwood

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