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The Role of Activity-Dependent Mechanisms in Pattern Formation in the Retinogeniculate Pathway

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Development and Organization of the Retina

Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((NSSA,volume 299))

Abstract

One of the most striking features of mammalian sensory systems is the extremely precise way that peripheral receptors are mapped onto the brain. A fundamental task of developmental neurobiology is to understand how these highly specific connection patterns arise. The development of the nervous system can be conveniently divided into 2 stages. The first one, which includes neurogenesis, differentiation, migration and axonal guidance, is usually regarded as being activity-independent. The second stage, which is primarily concerned with the fine-tuning of initial connections to produce the highly specific connection patterns characteristic of the adult, is often regarded as being activity-dependent. The visual system of some mammalian species has proven very useful for examination of the role which activity plays in the refinement of connections. The focus of the work described here is upon the developmental mechanisms through which the characteristic organization of the retinogeniculate pathway in the ferret is produced. This article will review this work in the context of other relevant literature in the field.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachussetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA

    Dr. Catherine A. Leamey, Karina S. Cramer & Mriganka Sur

  2. Dept. of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, E25-235, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA

    Dr. Catherine A. Leamey

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  1. Dr. Catherine A. Leamey
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  2. Karina S. Cramer
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  3. Mriganka Sur
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA

    Leo M. Chalupa

  2. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA

    Barbara L. Finlay

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Leamey, C.A., Cramer, K.S., Sur, M. (1998). The Role of Activity-Dependent Mechanisms in Pattern Formation in the Retinogeniculate Pathway. In: Chalupa, L.M., Finlay, B.L. (eds) Development and Organization of the Retina. NATO ASI Series, vol 299. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-5333-5_17

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