spacer gif spacer gif spacer gif spacer gif spacer gif
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


spacer gif
     Home     Help     Feedback     Subscriptions     Archive     Search     Table of Contents    

Right arrow Help viewing high resolution images
Right arrow Return to article
(Downloading may take up to 30 seconds.
If the slide opens in your browser, select File -> Save As to save it.)
Click on image to view larger version.


Figure 9


Fig. 9. The effects of BDNF during the development of retinotectal synaptic connectivity and their potential significance. (A) BDNF increases both arbor complexity and the density of presynaptic specializations in RGC axons. (B) BDNF increases the density of postsynaptic specializations on tectal neurons without influencing dendritic branch complexity. (C) BDNF, by increasing RGC axon arbor size and complexity, allows individual presynaptic RGC axon arbors to establish synaptic contacts with increased numbers of postsynaptic neurons. By modulating synapses directly, BDNF increases the density of synaptic innervation per tectal neuron. In a competitive scenario, the limiting amounts of BDNF would provide those presynaptic arbors directly exposed to BDNF a synaptic advantage and a greater opportunity to establish contacts with multiple postsynaptic partners.





Right arrow Return to article