Postnatal Changes in the Distribution of Acetylcholinesterase in Kitten Visual Cortex.
Abstract
We have traced the postnatal development of axons and cells in kitten striate cortex that contain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) using a modification of Koelles histochemical method. The maturation of AChE-positive axons was not found to be fully complete until at least three months of age, and was characterized by several distinct developmental trends. AChE-positive fibers in layers IVc-VI proliferate rapidly after birth until, by 4 weeks postnatal, they appear to exceed the adult density. They remain at this level as late as 8 weeks and then decrease to the adult density by 13 weeks. In contrast, the AChE-positive fibers in layer I do not show a substantial increase in density until 6 weeks of age and the adult level is not achieved before 3 months postnatal. AChE could also be localized histochemically to cell bodies whose position and appearance depended on postnatal age. Stained cells first appeared in the white matter subjacent to layer VI shortly after birth. The possible contributions of acetylcholine and AChE to the postnatal development of kitten striate cortex are discussed. Key words include: Acetlycholine, Visual cortex, Basal forebrain, Development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 18, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA150997
Entities
People
- F. Ebner
- K. M. Carnes
- M. F. Bear
Organizations
- Brown University