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Development of Meynert Cells in the Cat Visual Cortex in Conditions of Stimulation with Flashing Light

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The effects of rhythmic light stimulation on the postnatal development of the visual system were studied in relation to the formation of Meynert neurons in field 17 and the posteromedial area of the lateral suprasylvian sulcus (PMLS) in kittens reared with exposure to flashing light (frequency 15 Hz). Neuron body cross-sectional area and cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity levels were measured in the visual cortex of control (n = 6) and stimulated (n = 6) animals. Increases in the level of CO activity were seen in Meynert cells in field 17 and the PMLS area, by about 37%. There was also a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the bodies of Meynert neurons located in the PMLS, by 20% compared with normal. The existence of functional impairments of the Y conducting channel in stimulated animals and the possibility that binocular vision is suppressed are discussed.

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Correspondence to N. S. Merkul’eva.

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Translated from Morfologiya, Vol. 145, No. 2, pp. 12–15, March–April, 2014.

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Merkul’eva, N.S., Mikhalkin, A.A. & Makarov, F.N. Development of Meynert Cells in the Cat Visual Cortex in Conditions of Stimulation with Flashing Light. Neurosci Behav Physi 45, 363–366 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11055-015-0082-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11055-015-0082-z

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