Activity-dependent expression of the transcription factor Zif268 reveals ocular dominance columns in monkey visual cortex.

The visualization of neuronal populations activated by sensory stimulation has been approached using a number of different methodologies. Recent developments in our understanding of transcription factors have provided a new window for observing neural activity. We have found that the transcription factor Zif268 is expressed throughout the visual cortex of the monkey at high basal levels and that monocular visual deprivation produces dramatic changes in its levels revealing ocular dominance columns in striate cortex with as little as 2 h of selective exposure. These results show that immunodetection for Zif268 may be used for labelling activated neuronal populations in the monkey with several key advantages over prior techniques.