Synaptic Plasticity in the Cerebral Cortex of Fragile X Knockout Mice

In the next experiments, the ultrastructure of the visual cortex was examined in young Fmr1 knockout and wildtype mice. The rate of developmental synaptogenesis between the two genotypes was similar, but Fmr1 knockout mice exhibited levels of synaptic protein synthesis lower than those of wildtype mice. The role of FMRP in experience-dependent brain plasticity was also assessed. FMRP expression in the rat occipital cortex increases following exposure to a complex environment, but measures of synaptogenesis in Fmr1 knockout mice raised in this environment have been inconclusive. FMRP appears to be important for some, but not all forms of synaptic plasticity.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2006

Author dc:creator

• Grossman, Aaron William

Contributors dc:contributor

• Greenough, William T.

• Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3223601

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/87870