Developmental Effect of Dark Rearing on Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) Induction in CA1 Area of Hippocampus

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 PhD Student, Physiology Research Center AND Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran

2 Physiology Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran

3 Professor, Physiology Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran

Abstract

Background: In the critical period of brain development, in addition to natural function of neurons, the environmental signals strikingly affect the brain structure and function. In this study, the developmental effect of dark rearing on induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in responses of neurons of CA1 area of hippocampus was evaluated.Methods: This experimental study was carried out on 2 groups of male rats kept in a standard 12-hour light/dark condition (Light reared or LR) or a in complete darkness (Dark reared or DR) since birth through the study. Each group, in turn, was divided into 3 groups of 2, 6 and 10 weeks old subgroups (n = 8 for each). Stimulating the perforant path, field potentials were recorded in the CA1 area for 30 minutes. Then, the tetanic stimulation was applied to the Schaffer collaterals and the field potentials were pooled for 120 minutes post-tetanus.Findings: While the response amplitude of the basic responses demonstrated an age-dependent decrease in the LR animals, it showed a substantial increase in the DR ones. Dark rearing declined the degree of potentiation in the tetanized responses; however, the post-tetanus recordings showed a significant LTP yet. The LTP induction was reduced in either LR or DR animals.Conclusion: It seems that the visual experience modifications weaken both basic responses and LTP induction in neurons of CA1 area of hippocampus.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 31, Issue 228 - Serial Number 228
January and February 2013
Pages 237-246

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History

  • Receive Date: 09 September 2012
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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