The focus of this proposal is to investigate the active reorganization of intracortical connections in the developing visual cortex of ferrets following manipulations of correlated visual activity. I propose to study the effect of altering activity during the critical period of plasticity on the development and rearrangement of horizontal projections in layers II/III of the ferret visual cortex. Such changes are the first step in a cascade of events that lead to long-term alterations in cortical connections and function. Specifically, I will use two- photon imaging to image dynamically changing horizontal projections in vivo during normal development and after manipulations of activity by monocular lid suture or strabismus. I will relate these changes in anatomical architecture to functional changes in ocular dominance and orientation maps that will be obtained using optical imaging of intrinsic signals. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32EY015989-02
Application #
7008226
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F02B (20))
Program Officer
Oberdorfer, Michael
Project Start
2005-01-12
Project End
2008-01-11
Budget Start
2006-01-12
Budget End
2007-01-11
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$43,976
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department
Other Basic Sciences
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
001425594
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02139