Development of ocularity domains and growth behaviour of axon terminals.
Ontogenetic development of ocularity domains--stripes, patches and layers in cortex, colliculus superior and lateral geniculate nucleus--is the result of organization that may either be intrinsic to the postsynaptic structure or induced to it by the afferents. A specific type of axonal growth behaviour that was recently proposed as a basis for ontogenetic development of retinotopy is sufficient to account also for ocularity domains. No intrinsic organization in the postsynaptic structure is required. The latter merely serves as a propagating medium for markers carried by the presynaptic terminals. Computer simulations demonstrate the mechanism to be complete and consistent.
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D002415:Cats; D002450:Cell Communication; D005829:Geniculate Bodies / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*; D000882:Haplorhini; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology; D013477:Superior Colliculi / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*