Synaptic Plasticity in Visual Cortex: Comparison of Theory with Experiment
Abstract
Experiments performed over the last three decades indicate that the response properties of neurons in striate cortex of the cat can be modified by manipulating the visual experience of the animal during a critical period of postnatal development. A theory that can account for these results in a precise, quantitative fashion may yield insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms as well as make possible the use of visual cortex as a preparation for the study of the physiological basis of learning and memory storage. Such a theory has been developed in our laboratory. It allows a precise specification of theoretical equivalents of experimental situations and makes possible detailed and quantitative comparison of theory with experiment. The aim of the present effort is to provide such a comparison for what we call classical rearing conditions. These include normal rearing, monocular deprivation, reverse suture, strabismos, binocular deprivation, as well as the restoration of normal binocular vision after forms of deprivation. We find quantitative agreement of theory and experiment both for equilibrium states and the kinetics by which they are reached.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA236223
Entities
People
- Eugene E. Clothiaux
- Leon Cooper
- Mark Bear
Organizations
- Brown University