Abstract
This review aims to discuss (1) the refinement of mammalian visual cortical circuits and the maturation of visual functions they subserve in primary visual cortex (V1) and other visual cortical areas, and (2) existing evidence supporting the notion of differential rates of maturation of visual functions in different species. It is well known that different visual functions and their underlying circuitry mature and attain adultlike characteristics at different stages in postnatal development with varying growth rates. The developmental timecourse and duration of refinement varies significantly both in V1 of various species and among different visual cortical areas; while basic visual functions like spatial acuity mature earlier requiring less time, higher form perception such as contour integration is more complex and requires longer postnatal time to refine. This review will highlight the importance of systematic comparative analysis of the differential rates of refinement of visual circuitry and function as that may help reveal underlying key mechanisms necessary for healthy visual development during infancy and adulthood. This type of approach will help future studies to establish direct links between various developmental aspects of different visual cortical areas in both human and animal models; thus enhancing our understanding of vision related neurological disorders and their potential therapeutic remedies.
Highlights
Cortico-cortical networks undergo significant refinement and reorganization in the postnatal period; humans (Huttenlocher, 1979; Burkhalter et al, 1993), monkeys (Barone et al, 1995; Coogan and Van Essen, 1996; Batardière et al, 2002), cats (Price and Blakemore, 1985; Price, 1986; Dehay et al, 1988; Price and Zumbroich, 1989; Batardiere et al, 1998), ferrets (Durack and Katz, 1996; Ruthazer and Stryker, 1996)
Some aspects of cortical circuitry, receptive field (RF) physiology, and visual functions mature in a hierarchical fashion; humans (Tierney and Nelson, 2009; Brown and Jernigan, 2012), monkeys (Zhang et al, 2005, 2008; Zheng et al, 2007), while others develop in a synchronous manner; ferrets (Khalil and Levitt, 2013, 2014)
The essential aspects of this discussion will be summarized under the following sections: (1) Development of visual cortical connections (2) Development of neuronal response properties in visual cortex, and (3) Maturation of visual function
Summary
Reviewed by: Janine Dale Mendola, McGill University, Canada Joshua C. This review will highlight the importance of systematic comparative analysis of the differential rates of refinement of visual circuitry and function as that may help reveal underlying key mechanisms necessary for healthy visual development during infancy and adulthood. This type of approach will help future studies to establish direct links between various developmental aspects of different visual cortical areas in both human and animal models; enhancing our understanding of vision related neurological disorders and their potential therapeutic remedies
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