Abstract
THE visual system, is especially suitable for showing the effects of sensory deprivation on the morphology of the corresponding brain centres. In this system, different types of deprivation or excessive stimulation induce changes in cell density1,2, dendritic branching3 and formation of dendritic spines4–7. We have been able to show quantitative morphological changes in cortical as well as subcortical visual centres after unilateral visual deprivation in rats8. As a result of this treatment, the volume of the visual cortex was diminished in the deprived hemisphere, layers II–IV being most affected. A significantly higher cell density was, however, found in layer IV on the deprived side. This relative increase in the density of neurones was thought to be the result of diminished dendritic branching of receptive neurones in this layer. The field of contact could result in a reduced number of receptive spines on the apical dendrites of the pyramids in layer V, passing through layer IV.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Gyllensten, L., Malmfors, T., and Norrlin, M.-L., J. Comp. Neurol., 124, 149 (1965).
Wiesel, T. N., and Hubel, D. H., J. Neurophysiol., 26, 978 (1963).
Holloway, jun., R. L., Brain Res., 2, 393 (1966).
Cragg, B. G., Nature, 215, 251 (1967).
Globus, A., and Scheibel, A. B., Exp. Neurol., 18, 116 (1967).
Globus, A., and Scheibel, A. B., Exp. Neurol., 19, 331 (1967).
Valverde, F., Brain Res., 3, 337 (1967).
Fifková, E., and Hassler, R., J. Comp. Neurol. (in the press).
Ramón-Moliner, E., Stain Technol., 33, 19 (1958).
Cajal, S. R., Le Cellule, 7, 1 (1891).
Gray, E. G., J. Anat., 93, 420 (1959).
Globus, A., and Scheibel, A. B., J. Comp. Neurol., 131, 155 (1967).
Tsang, J., J. Comp. Neurol., 66, 211 (1936).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
FIFKOVÁ, E. Changes in the Visual Cortex of Rats after Unilateral Deprivation. Nature 220, 379–381 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1038/220379a0
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/220379a0
This article is cited by
-
Postnatal development of immunohistochemically localized spectrin-like protein (calspectin or fodrin) in the rat visual cortex: Its excessive expression in developing cortical neurons
Journal of Neurocytology (1987)
-
Loss of dendritic spines in aging cerebral cortex
Anatomy and Embryology (1975)
-
Changes in Lateral Geniculate Neurones of Rats as a Result of Continuous Exposure to Light
Nature New Biology (1973)
-
Nervous Activity and RNA Metabolism in the Visual Cortex of Rat Brain
Nature (1970)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
