Massive cross-modal cortical plasticity and the emergence of a new cortical area in developmentally blind mammals.

Abstract

In the current investigation, the neurophysiological organization of the neocortex was examined in adult animals that were bilaterally enucleated very early in life, before the retino-geniculo-cortical pathway was established. Our results indicate that some aspects of development of cortical fields are not mediated by specific sensory inputs. However, the current study also demonstrates that peripheral innervation plays a large role in the organization of the neocortex, as cortical territories normally involved in visual processing are completely captured by the auditory and somatosensory system. Thus, a large degree of phenotypic variability in cortical organization can be accomplished solely by removing or modifying sensory inputs.