Cortical binocularity is disrupted by strabismus more slowly than by monocular deprivation

Abstract

Two groups of normally reared kittens were exposed on postnatal day 28 to brief periods of monocular deprivation or experimental strabismus caused by optical prisms. Single-unit analysis was then carried out in striate cortex and ocular dominance distributions were determined. Both procedures were found to disrupt binocular connections, but effects from monocular deprivation occurred more rapidly and were more extensive. We conclude that in the short term, monocular deprivation is a more potent procedure and it is possible that, at least initially, it may involve different mechanisms.