Somato-dendritic decoupling as a novel mechanism for protracted cortical maturation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Both human and animal data indicate that disruption of the endogenously slow maturation of temporal association cortical (TeA) networks is associated with abnormal higher order cognitive development. However, the neuronal mechanisms underlying the endogenous maturation delay of the TeA are poorly understood.

Results

Here we report a novel form of developmental plasticity that is present in the TeA. It was found that deep layer TeA neurons, but not hippocampal or primary visual neurons, exist in a protracted 'embryonic-like' state through a mechanism involving reduced somato-dendritic communication and a non-excitable somatic membrane. This mechanism of neural inactivity is present in intact tissue and shows a remarkable transition into an active somato-dendritical

SUBMITTER: Chomiak T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4916537 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature