Optical imaging of the intrinsic signal as a tool to characterize orientation sensitivity in the primary visual cortex of the young mouse.

We employed intrinsic signal optical imaging (ISOI) to investigate orientation sensitivity bias in the visual cortex of young mice. Optical signals were recorded in response to the moving light gratings stimulating ipsi‑, contra‑ and binocular eye inputs. ISOI allowed visualization of cortical areas activated by gratings of specific orientation and temporal changes of light scatter during visual stimulation.

Conditioning‑induced changes in sensory cortical maps detected in mice by intrinsic signal optical imaging.

Intrinsic signal optical imaging (ISOI) has been used previously for the detection of changes in sensory processing in the somatosensory cortex in response to environment alteration or after deprivation of sensory information. To date, there have been no reports of ISOI being used in learning‑induced changes in the somatosensory cortex. In the present study, ISOI was performed twice in the same mouse: before and after conditional fear learning.

Molecular Factors Mediating Neural Cell Plasticity Changes in Dementia Brain Diseases.

Neural plasticity-the ability to alter a neuronal response to environmental stimuli-is an important factor in learning and memory. Short-term synaptic plasticity and long-term synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation and long-term depression, are the most-characterized models of learning and memory at the molecular and cellular level. These processes are often disrupted by neurodegeneration-induced dementias.

Neuroprotection of Retinal Ganglion Cells with AAV2-BDNF Pretreatment Restoring Normal TrkB Receptor Protein Levels in Glaucoma.

Intravitreal delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by injection of recombinant protein or by gene therapy can alleviate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss after optic nerve injury (ONI) or laser-induced ocular hypertension (OHT). In models of glaucoma, BDNF therapy can delay or halt RGCs loss, but this protection is time-limited. The decreased efficacy of BDNF supplementation has been in part attributed to BDNF TrkB receptor downregulation.

Cortical Inactivation Does Not Block Response Enhancement in the Superior Colliculus.

Repetitive visual stimulation is successfully used in a study on the visual evoked potential (VEP) plasticity in the visual system in mammals. Practicing visual tasks or repeated exposure to sensory stimuli can induce neuronal network changes in the cortical circuits and improve the perception of these stimuli. However, little is known about the effect of visual training at the subcortical level.