Analysis
of Developing Amygdaloid Circuitry Using Transynaptic Passage of
Pseudorabies Virus (PRV)
In
one of our studies, Network researchers are using an innovative
technique to examine the development of the circuits of neurons
extending to and from the amygdala. Using this method, we have learned
that the amygdala (in certain Mammalian species) has already developed
connections to the autonomic nervous system in the first week of life.
It is known from previous experiments that the development of this
neural system is affected by experience, and now it is known that
connections in this system are present very early in development. The
findings of these experiments have great importance for advancing the
Network's mission of assessing the effects of experience upon brain
development. In performing these studies, the investigators have
developed the first and currently the only known method for tracking
the assembly of a complex neuronal circuit during development.
Card,
J.P. (2001) Pseudorabies virus noninvasiveness: A window into the
functional organization of the brain. Advances
in Virus Research, 56:39-71.
Rinaman,
L., Levitt, P., Card, J.P. Progressive postnatal assembly of
limbic-autonomic circuits revealed by central transneuronal transport
of pseudorabies virus. Journal of Neuroscience. 20(7): 2731-2741
(2000).
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