Pattern Formation in the Rat's Somatosensory System

利用DiI和共聚焦显微镜的跟踪追踪方法将被应用于研究哺乳动物新皮层的发育。胎鼠正常发育顺序及丘脑皮层传入事件和向新皮层半球间投射的模式。此外，宫内切除后肢对脑干和丘脑皮层下后肢表征模式和皮质投射神经元发育的影响也将被确定。这些实验有望进一步阐明外周在皮层规范发展中的作用。

Track tracing methods using DiI and confocal microscopy will be applied to study the development of mammalian neocortex. The normal sequence of development and the pattern of thalamocortical afferents and interhemispheric projections to the neocortex in the fetal rat. In addition, the effects of removing the hindlimb in utero on the development of cortical projection neurons and and subcortical hindlimb representation pattern in brainstem and thalamus will be determined. These experiments promise to further elucidate the role of the periphery in the development of cortical specification.