Effects of light hatching on synapse number and size in the intermediate and medial part of the hyperstriatum ventrale of the domestic chick.
The effects of pre-hatch light exposure on synaptic development in the intermediate and medial part of the hyperstriatum ventrale (IMHV) of the chick brain were investigated. Quantitative electron microscopical techniques were used to determine the size and numerical density of synapses and it was seen that in light hatched chicks there was a significant increase in the density of synapses in the left IMHV but that the size of synapses in these birds was decreased. These results provide a link between synaptic development and plasticity.
Division of Neurobiology, Medical School, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
P M
PM
Bradley
B D
BD
Burns
S
S
Kaplan
A C
AC
Webb
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D008027:Light; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D017072:Neostriatum / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000528:radiation effects; D010063:Ovum / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure