Neonatal Restriction of Tactile Inputs Leads to Long-Lasting Impairments of Cross-Modal Processing.

ABSTRACT: Optimal behavior relies on the combination of inputs from multiple senses through complex interactions within neocortical networks. The ontogeny of this multisensory interplay is still unknown. Here, we identify critical factors that control the development of visual-tactile processing by combining in vivo electrophysiology with anatomical/functional assessment of cortico-cortical communication and behavioral investigation of pigmented rats. We demonstrate that the transient reduction of unimodal (tactile) inputs during a short period of neonatal development prior to the first cross-modal experience affects feed-forward subcortico-cortical interactions by attenuating the cross-modal enhancement of evoked responses in the adult primary somatosensory cortex. Moreover, the neonatal manipulati

SUBMITTER: Sieben K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4658190 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature