Effects of Total Light Deprivation on Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus of Male Neonate Rats

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines the effects of total light deprivation on the developing lateral geniculate nucleus, the primary integration centre for visual informationMethods: Sprague-Dawley rats were reared for one month in a dark room from 7th postnatal day before eye opening. A group of rats was taken back into normal condition for 15 days, and then perfused. Coronal sections of LGN were prepared and stained with Cresyl Violet and Cytochrome Oxidase to investigate the number of neurons, volume and length, as well as neuronal activity level.Results: The results showed that LD for one month causes progressive loss of neurons and decreases neuronal activity level in the LGN.Conclusion: It can be concluded that during early postnatal development of the rats’ visual system, light deprivation causes structural and functional changes in LGN.