Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir6.2

Title: Modification of neurotransmitter receptor sensitivity in cat visual cortex during the critical period.

Authors: C Shaw, M C Needler, M Wilkinson, C Aoki, M Cynader

Journal, date & volume: Brain Res., 1985 Sep , 354, 67-73

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2994853

Abstract
We have examined the characteristics of various receptors in cat visual cortex during postnatal development. These included beta-adrenergic, GABA, benzodiazepine and acetylcholine receptors. For each population of receptor the number (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) were examined as a function of postnatal age (3 days-adult). For all receptors examined, the Bmax increased during development from low early values to a peak within the critical period. The Kd also changed during development for most receptors. The simultaneous alterations in Bmax and Kd necessitate defining a term which takes both of these receptor properties into consideration. This term, called receptor sensitivity (RS), provides a more comprehensive measure of receptor function than either Bmax or Kd alone. Using this measure, we find that receptor sensitivity is low near birth for the 4 receptor populations studied, rises to a peak within the first two months of life, and then declines to near-neonatal levels for 3 of the 4 receptor populations.