Transient Synaptic Silencing of Developing Striate Cortex Has Persistent Effects on Visual Function and Plasticity

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0772-07.2007
• Publication Date: 2007-04-25T16:38:41Z
• Authors: Matteo Caleo; Laura Restani; Laura Gianfranceschi; Laura Costantin; Chiara Rossi; Ornella Rossetto; Cesare Montecucco; Lamberto Maffei
• Keywords: Ocular dominance column; Sensory deprivation; Monocular deprivation

Neural circuits in the cerebral cortex are shaped by experience during “critical periods” early life. For example, visual is immature at time of eye opening and gradually develops its functional properties a sensitive period. Very few reports have addressed role intrinsic neural activity cortical maturation. Here we exploited bacterial enzyme botulinum neurotoxin E (BoNT/E) to produce unilateral, reversible blockade rat BoNT/E highly selective protease that interferes with transmitter release via cleavage synaptic protein SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated 25 kDa). Unilateral, intracortical injections were made resulted silencing treated, but not contralateral, hemisphere for period 2 weeks. We found acuity was permanently reduced blocked hemisphere, critical ocular dominance plasticity persisted into adulthood. Unexpectedly, these effects extended equally uninjected side, demonstrating fundamental interhemispheric connections