The applicants plan to study conditions in the developing rodent brain necessary for supporting optic axon outgrowth and for establishing appropriate terminal connections between molecules known to support axonal outgrowth and the extension of retinal ganglion cell axons. In addition, the applicants will examine the conditions that produce optimal outgrowth and formation of connections by retinae transplanted to ectopic sites in neonatal and fetal rodent brains. One series of studies will focus on the outgrowth process itself and the substrates that support it while the other will examine what factors influence the ability of optic axons originating from transplants to innervate visual centers, to compete with other optic inputs for target space and to form topographic maps within visual centers. Such information will provide insight into how the circuitry for optimal visual function is established. It will also define the conditions necessary for creating surrogate pathways to replace damaged primary optic connections.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY005308-10
Application #
3260329
Study Section
Visual Sciences B Study Section (VISB)
Project Start
1984-03-01
Project End
1996-02-29
Budget Start
1992-03-01
Budget End
1993-02-28
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
053785812
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213