Developmental synaptic plasticity at the thalamocortical input to barrel cortex: mechanisms and roles

Michael I Daw, Helen L Scott, John T R Isaac

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

The thalamocortical (TC) input to layer IV provides the major pathway for ascending sensory information to the mammalian sensory cortex. During development there is a dramatic refinement of this input that underlies the maturation of the topographical map in layer IV. Over the last 10 years our understanding of the mechanisms of the developmental and experience-driven changes in synaptic function at TC synapses has been greatly advanced. Here we describe these studies that point to a key role for NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity, a role for kainate receptors and for a rapid maturation in GABAergic inhibition. The expression mechanisms of some of the forms of neonatal synaptic plasticity are novel and, in combination with other mechanisms, produce a layer IV circuit that exhibits functional properties necessary for mature sensory processing.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)493-502
Number of pages10
JournalMolecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

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