Dendrite growth increased by visual activity requires NMDA receptor and Rho GTPases

Previous studies suggest that neuronal activity may guide the development of synaptic connections in the central nervous system through mechanisms involving glutamate receptors and GTPase-dependent modulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Here we demonstrate by in vivo time-lapse imaging of optic tecta...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature (London) 2002-10, Vol.419 (6906), p.475-480
Main Authors: Cline, Hollis T, Sin, Wun Chey, Haas, Kurt, Ruthazer, Edward S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Brain
cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein - physiology
Cells
Central nervous system
Dendrites - physiology
Eye and associated structures. Visual pathways and centers. Vision
Eyes & eyesight
Freshwater
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humanities and Social Sciences
letter
multidisciplinary
Neurons
Neurons - physiology
Photic Stimulation
Plasticity
rac GTP-Binding Proteins - physiology
Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate - physiology
rho GTP-Binding Proteins - physiology
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Superior Colliculi - cytology
Superior Colliculi - embryology
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
Vision, Ocular - physiology
Xenopus laevis
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Summary:Previous studies suggest that neuronal activity may guide the development of synaptic connections in the central nervous system through mechanisms involving glutamate receptors and GTPase-dependent modulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Here we demonstrate by in vivo time-lapse imaging of optic tectal cells in Xenopus laevis tadpoles that enhanced visual activity driven by a light stimulus promotes dendritic arbor growth. The stimulus-induced dendritic arbor growth requires glutamate-receptor-mediated synaptic transmission, decreased RhoA activity and increased Rac and Cdc42 activity. The results delineate a role for Rho GTPases in the structural plasticity driven by visual stimulation in vivo.
ISSN:0028-0836
1476-4687
DOI:10.1038/nature00987