Naslov
Cognitive and emotional maturation occurred in parallel with reorganization of associative prefrontal cortex circuitry

Autori
Zeba, Martina ; Petanjek, Zdravko

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
Abstract Book / - Dubrovnik, 2009, 1-1

Skup
1st Dubrovnik Conference on Cognitive Science - DUCOG I

Mjesto i datum
Dubrovnik, Hrvatska, 22.05.2009. - 24.05.2009

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
development; pyramidal neurons; prefrontal cortex

Sažetak
Psychological findings about protracted cognitive and emotional development through adolescence have recently been supported by extensive data on functional brain development, suggesting a highly extended period of synaptic pruning. The aim of this study was to examine dendritic spine density on layer IIIc pyramidal neurons in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, through different developmental stages: early prenatal (0– 3 months), infancy (4– 18 months), childhood (2– 8 years), adolescence (9– 18 years), early adulthood (19– 30 years), adulthood (31– 65 years) and aging (66+ years). We used available data obtained from 32 participants from the Zagreb Neuroembryological Collection. We found massive dendritic spine overproduction during childhood and adolescence, but also during early adulthood. Dendritic spine density in adulthood was highest in the most distal segments of apical oblique dendrites, that showed also largest and most protracted overproduction compared to proximal oblique and basal dendrites. Distal dendrites are known to be predominantly innervated by intracortical and associative cortico-cortical fibers. The protracted maturation of layer IIIc pyramids, as key elements of circuitry involved in processing higher cognitive functions, might represent a biological basis for protracted cognitive development. In future studies, a larger number of analyzed subjects should be considered, whereas obtained morphological data should be correlated with psychological findings about different development stages.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Temeljne medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA