The role of visual experience in the cortical topographic map reorganization following retinal lesions

The mature visual cortex is capable of reorganizing its functional connecti ons in response to retinal injuries. Although this phenomenon is well estab lished, there are a number of unresolved issues. This paper will review som e of the more critical aspects of adult plasticity including those based on our most recent findings. Our preliminary data indicate that a large-scale reorganization of cortical maps following retinal injuries may require an increase in synaptic strengths at key cortical sites promoted by long-term, repeated use.