The cross‐modal aspect of mouse visual cortex plasticity induced by monocular enucleation is age dependent

Abstract

Monocular enucleation (ME) drastically affects the contralateral visual cortex, where plasticity phenomena drive specific adaptations to compensate for the unilateral loss of vision. In adult mice, complete reactivation of deprived visual cortex involves an early visually driven recovery followed by multimodal plasticity 3 to 7 weeks post ME (Van Brussel et al. [2011] Cereb. Cortex 21:2133-2146). Here, we specifically investigated the age dependence of the onset and the exact timing of both ME-induced reactivation processes by comparing cortical activity patterns of mice enucleated at postnatal day (P) 45, 90, or 120. A swifter open-eye potentiated reactivation characterized the binocular visual cortex of P45 mice. Nevertheless, even after 7 weeks, the reactivation remained incomplete, especially in the monocular cortex medial to V1. In comparison with P45, emergent cross-modal participation was demonstrated in P90 animals, although robust reactivation similar to enucleated adults (P120) was not achieved yet. Concomitantly, at 7 weeks post ME, somatosensory and auditory cortex shifted from a hypoactive state in P45 to hyperactivity in P120. Thus, we provide evidence for a presensitive period in which gradual recruitment of cross-modal recovery upon long-term ME coincides with the transition from adolescence to adulthood in mice.

A Tool for Brain-Wide Quantitative Analysis of Molecular Data upon Projection into a Planar View of Choice

“…It has been previously described, based on serial 2D information about the expression of zif268 mRNA, that there is an immediate dramatic reduction in the zif268 mRNA expression levels in the monocular deprived visual areas, but that the visual cortex gradually recovers near normal activity levels over a time course of 7 weeks (Van Brussel et al, 2011; Nys et al, 2014). To illustrate the universal applicability of the tool, the technique was also applied to an immunofluorescent signal in brain sections to visualize transduction efficiency within the visual cortex with viral vector technology.…”

Mapping arealisation of the visual cortex of non-primate species: lessons for development and evolution

“…This technique is particularly effective to determine ocular dominance in mouse V1 by specifically blocking the input from one eye (e.g., eyelid closure or enucleation) during the phase of light stimulation (Van der Gucht et al, 2007). IEGs are also advantageous to study neuroplasticity, especially during development and have been utilized for this in the mouse (Van Brussel et al, 2011; Nys et al, 2014). …”

A Highly Reproducible and Straightforward Method to Perform <em>In Vivo</em> Ocular Enucleation in the Mouse after Eye Opening

“…It provides a valuable tool to study the different aspects of visual, cross-modal and developmental plasticity along the mammalian visual system [1][2][3][4] .…”

“…The enucleation model in the juvenile and adult visual system has proven to be valuable in understanding the development, plasticity and function of different visual centers [1][2][3][4] . The molecular, cellular and physiological consequences of this sensory deprivation can provide insights into how normal development is regulated and how established cortical circuits cope and change their structure and function in response to such an extensive alteration in experience.…”

“…It provides a valuable tool to study the different aspects of visual, cross-modal and developmental plasticity along the mammalian visual system [1][2][3][4] .Here, we demonstrate an elegant and straightforward technique for the removal of one or both eyes in the mouse, which is validated in mice of 20 days old up to adults. Briefly, a disinfected curved forceps is used to clamp the optic nerve behind the eye.…”