Abstract
Naturally occurring cell death is an important process in the healthy development of the central nervous system, but the underlying mechanisms are not entirely understood. I investigated this process in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the rat and mouse and found that death of these neurons in the early postnatal period was not due to errors in topographic mapping at the contralateral superior colliculus. During this time, early-born RGC survival was dependent on target derived neurotrophic factors, while late-born RGCs could survive independent of this source. These aged differences largely follows the timing of axonal innervation of their central targets.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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Award date | 23 Aug 2020 |
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Publication status | Unpublished - 2020 |