1. Synaptic scaling in the developing visual cortex
Niraj S. Desai
Brandeis University &
The Neurosciences Institute
Cell Cultures
Slices
Slice Cultures

2. Neocortical cultures Use pharmacology to manipulate activity
Measure effects on synaptic currents

3. Quantal currents

4. Synaptic scaling Postsynaptic change in receptor density
Global and multiplicative rescaling
Slow time course (> 12 h)

7. Dark rearing modifies age effects
Control
Dark-reared

8. Monocular deprivation

11. C D

12. Channel infection in slice cultures
K+ channels:
Johns et al. (1999)
Burrone et al. (2002)

13. Summary  X Slow form of homeostatic plasticity
Active in visual system development
Effects are age- and layer-specific L4
P16
L2/3
P23  X

14. Acknowledgments Brandeis University Gina Turrigiano Sacha Nelson
Robert Cudmore
Neurosciences
Institute
Tanya Casimiro
Geoffrey Owens