A stereological study of the numbers of neurons and glia in the primary visual cortex across the lifespan of male and female rhesus monkeys

• DOI: 10.1002/cne.23101
• Publication Date: 2012-03-20T06:40:52Z
• Authors: Eustathia Lela Gi...; Douglas L. Rosene
• Keywords: Stereology; NeuN

Mild age-related declines in visual function occur humans and monkeys, independent of ocular pathology, suggesting involvement central pathways (Spear [1993] Vision Res 33:2589-2609). Although many factors might account for this decline, a loss neurons primary cortex (V1) could be contributing factor. Previous studies neuron numbers V1 reported stability across age, but were limited the ages genders studied sampled only parts or cell types, allowing possibility subtle neurons. We pursued question 26 behaviorally tested adult male female rhesus monkeys ranging from 7.4 to 31.0 years age by using design-based stereology estimate NeuN-labeled thionin-stained glia within three laminar zones, supragranular (layers II-IVB), granular (IVC), infragranular (V-VI), entirety V1. There no significant differences between males females on any measures, except total brain weight (P = 0.0038). was an average 416,000,000 V1, effect zone. Similarly, there 184,000,000 (44% number neurons), total. However, increase zone, perhaps reflecting glial response pathology myelinated projection fibers. This study provides further evidence that normal aging are not lost hence cannot dysfunction.