The retinotectal map refers to the coordinate positions of RGC cell bodies across the retinae and their terminations across the tecta. The retinotectal projection in adult chicks is exclusively contralateral. Existing ipsilateral projections are lost after the first two weeks of embryonic development. To gain insight into the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and synaptic persistance we are examining molecules that influence this relatively transient projection.

Experiments utilize a chick embryo culture system (shown below), which allows direct injection of reagents into either the eye or the tecta. Injection of fluorescent dye into the tecta retrogradely labels RGCs (shown on either side). The number of individual ipsilateral RGCs are counted.