Open AccessMechanisms underlying rapid experience-dependent plasticity in the human visual cortex
Author(s) -
Babak Boroojerdi,
Fortunato Battaglia,
Wolf Muellbacher,
Leonardo G. Cohen
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.251357198
Subject(s) - neuroscience , nmda receptor , visual cortex , monocular deprivation , cholinergic , neuroplasticity , biology , receptor , psychology , ocular dominance , biochemistry
Visual deprivation induces a rapid increase in visual cortex excitability that may result in better consolidation of spatial memory in animals and in lower visual recognition thresholds in humans. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic,N -methyl-d -aspartate (NMDA), and cholinergic receptors are thought to be involved in visual cortex plasticity in animal studies. Here, we used a pharmacological approach and found that lorazepam (which enhances GABAA receptor function by acting as a positive allosteric modulator), dextrometorphan (NMDA receptor antagonist), and scopolamine (muscarinic receptor antagonist) blocked rapid plastic changes associated with light deprivation. These findings suggest the involvement of GABA, NMDA, and cholinergic receptors in rapid experience-dependent plasticity in the human visual cortex.