Neural changes in forelimb cortex and behavioural development

Neural changes in the forelimb cortex were studied at Postnatal (P) 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 100 days. Six biological markers of brain development, cortical thickness, Layer III pyramidal cell morphology, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myelination, c-fos activity and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were correlated with the behavioural development of reaching, bimanual coordination, postural adjustment, and defensive feeding behaviours. The behaviours were filmed from P15 until P30 and then also in adulthood. For the behaviours there was a gradual development of the skilled patterns of paw and digit use seen in adults as well as in the patterns of movements in postural adjustment, carry behaviours and dodging and robbing type behaviours. The development of the adult patterns of movement were correlated to the morphological and biochemical changes in the cortex. The results suggest that the maturation of skilled movements depends upon anatomical and neurochemical maturation of the neocortex as well as upon learning.

Authors

• Coles, Brenda Louise Kay
• University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science

• Prefrontal cortex
• Developmental psychology
• Rodents -- Physiology
• Rats as laboratory animals
• Dissertations, Academic

Identifier

hdl:10133/85

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:opus.uleth.ca:10133/85