The development of soma size changes in the C-laminae of the cat lateral geniculate nucleus following monocular deprivation

This study examined the pattern of soma size changes in the cat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) from 4 weeks of age to adulthood following monocular lid suture at two weeks of age. Different patterns of soma size changes were found between the A-laminae and C-laminae. In layers A, A 1, and C significant soma size differences were found between the deprived and non-deprived laminae by 4 weeks of age. However, the magnocellular portion of layer C was affected more by deprivation than the parvocellular portion. Layer C 1 did not reveal significant soma size changes until 20 weeks of age. Layer C 2 did not exhibit any soma size changes at any age. These differential responses to monocular deprivation suggest different time courses of development among the dLGN laminae.