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, A1, 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 C1 did not reveal significant soma size changes until 20 weeks of age. Layer C2 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.