Open AccessTopographic map formation and the effects of NMDA receptor blockade in the developing visual system
Author(s) -
Vanessa J. Li,
Anne Schohl,
Edward S. Ruthazer
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2107899119
Subject(s) - tectum , neuroscience , receptive field , biology , retina , postsynaptic potential , neuropil , retinotopy , nmda receptor , anatomy , receptor , central nervous system , midbrain , genetics
Significance Studying the emergence of topographic organization in sensory maps has been constrained by spatial limitations of traditional anatomical and physiological techniques early in development in many animal models. Here, we have applied a high-resolution, noninvasive, in vivo calcium imaging approach to study the nascent retinotopic map in the larvalXenopus laevis retinotectal system. We performed longitudinal functional imaging of the three-dimensional organization of emerging retinotopic maps and assessed the effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blockade on map formation. Our results provide insights into early retinotopic map emergence and the role of NMDA receptors in the refinement of topographic gradients.