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Abstract
The dystrophin defective mdx mouse, acknowledged model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
(DMD), bears outstanding alterations of the cortical architecture, that could be responsible
for the cognitive impairment often accompanying this pathological condition. Using
a retrograde tract tracing technique to label neurons in Golgi-like fashion, we investigated
the fine anatomical organization of associative cortico-cortical projections in mdx
mice. While the absolute number of associative pyramidal neurons was significantly
higher in mdx than in control animals, the ratio between the number of supra- and
infragranular cortico-cortical cells was substantially unmodified. Basal dendrites
of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons displayed longer terminal branches in mdx compared
to controls. Finally, the density of dendritic spines was significantly lower in mdx
animals. The anomalies of associative cortico-cortical projections provide potential
groundwork on the neurobiological bases of cognitive involvement in DMD and value
the role of cortical microcircuitry alterations as possible source of interference
with peripheral motor impairment.
Copyright 2010 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.