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The Journal of Neuroscience, June 15, 2003, 23(12):5208-5218

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Decline of the Critical Period of Visual Plasticity Is Concurrent with the Reduction of NR2B Subunit of the Synaptic NMDA Receptor in Layer 4

Alev Erisir and Janna L. Harris

Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4400

The specific composition of NMDA receptor subunits is thought to underlie the developmental plasticity of the cortex revealed by unbalanced binocular stimulation. However, evidence that NR2 subunits change in correlation with the critical period at locations that are relevant to visual plasticity has been missing. Using preembedding and postembedding immunostaining, as well as electron microscopy, we quantified the volumetric densities of NR1-, NR2A-, and NR2B-containing synapses in layers 4 and 2/3 of the ferret visual cortex at different postnatal ages. Before eye opening, NR2A is encountered infrequently at postsynaptic sites in layer 4, but it increases sharply by postnatal day 34. In the subsequent weeks, postsynaptic NR2A labeling increases gradually in both layers 4 and 2/3 to become the most prevalent subunit in the adult animal. The NR2B subunit is the more prevalent subunit at the onset of the critical period of cortical plasticity. However, it displays different developmental patterns in layers 4 and 2/3. Although no change occurs in synaptic NR2B density in layer 2/3, in layer 4, NR2B maintains its high levels through the peak of the critical period and then becomes significantly reduced by the end of the peak of the critical period. This low level is maintained throughout adulthood. Our results demonstrate a correlation between the loss of NR2B subunits from layer 4 synaptic sites and the decline of the critical period, suggesting that the presence of NR2B subunits at synaptic sites could be a permissive factor regulating the ocular dominance plasticity of the developing cortex.

Key words: NR2A; NR2B; NMDA receptor; synaptic density; developmental plasticity; quantification; ultrastructure; electron microscopy; ocular dominance; ferret

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Received Oct. 9, 2002; revised Mar. 17, 2003; accepted Mar. 26, 2003.

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