Figure 3

Accelerated development of the TeA network in juvenile animals. A: The majority of cells in treated animals exhibited adult-like electrophysiological properties and spontaneous synaptic activity ("VPA"), and is in stark contrast to that observed in saline or untreated control animals ("control"). The majority of these cells exhibited immature intrinsic neuronal properties similar to that found in new born rats [41]. Voltage responses to a current step protocol were applied from a holding or resting potential of around -60 to -70 mV. In voltage-clamp, cells were clamped at -60 mV. Sale bars: 30 mV vertical and 150 ms horizontal for top two traces; and 15 pA vertical and 400 ms horizontal for bottom two traces. B: Based on the intrinsic membrane properties (see panel A for example), juvenile (< 1 month) VPA-treated animals have a significantly higher maturational index as compared to juvenile control animals. *p < 0.05.