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Amblyopia: New molecular/pharmacological and environmental approaches

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2018

MICHAEL P. STRYKER  and
SIEGRID LÖWEL
MICHAEL P. STRYKER*
Affiliation:
UCSF Sandler Neurosciences Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
SIEGRID LÖWEL*
Affiliation:
Department of Systems Neuroscience, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
*
*Address correspondence to: Michael Stryker, Department of Physiology, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Room 535, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0444. E-mail: stryker@phy.ucsf.edu and Siegrid Löwel, Department of Systems Neuroscience, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 6, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany. E-mail: sloewel@gwdg.de
*Address correspondence to: Michael Stryker, Department of Physiology, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Room 535, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0444. E-mail: stryker@phy.ucsf.edu and Siegrid Löwel, Department of Systems Neuroscience, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 6, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany. E-mail: sloewel@gwdg.de
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Abstract

Emerging technologies are now giving us unprecedented access to manipulate brain circuits, shedding new light on treatments for amblyopia. This research is identifying key circuit elements that control brain plasticity and highlight potential therapeutic targets to promote rewiring in the visual system during and beyond early life. Here, we explore how such recent advancements may guide future pharmacological, genetic, and behavioral approaches to treat amblyopia. We will discuss how animal research, which allows us to probe and tap into the underlying circuit and synaptic mechanisms, should best be used to guide therapeutic strategies. Uncovering cellular and molecular pathways that can be safely targeted to promote recovery may pave the way for effective new amblyopia treatments across the lifespan.

Keywords

Critical periodLight deprivationMonocular deprivationNeuromodulatory systemsEnvironmental enrichmentDark exposureE/I balance
Type
Perspective
Information
Visual Neuroscience , Volume 35 , 2018 , E018
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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