Developmental Neurobiology

My laboratory investigates the mechanisms underlying activity-dependent organization of the visual system.  Much of our work concerns understanding how activity influences the choice of postsynaptic targets by presynaptic neurons.  In the leopard frogs in which we work, retinal ganglion cell terminals map topographically onto the surface of their target, the optic tectum.  The precision present in this map is derived from strengthening synapses that effectively depolarize tectal cells and eliminating synapses that do not.  Using electrophysiological, immunocytochemical, anatomical and autoradiographic techniques, we investigate the mechanisms mediating and modulating synapse stabilization and elimination.

• Zhao, B. and Debski, E.A. (2005). Serotonergic reticular formation cells in Rana pipiens: categorization, development, and tectal projections. J. Comp. Neurol. 487:441-456. (Full Text Available)
• Yu, C.-J., Butt, C.M. and Debski, E.A. (2003). Bidirectional modulation of visual plasticity by cholinergic receptor subtypes in the frog optic tectum. Eur. J. Neurosci. 17:1253-1265. [Full Text Available]
• Yu, C.-J. and Debski, E.A. (2003). The effects of nicotinic and muscarinic receptor activation on patch-clamped cells in the optic tectum of Rana pipiens. Neurosci. 118:135-144. [Full Text Available]
• Debski, E.A. and Cline, H.T. (2002).  Activity-dependent mapping in the retinotectal projection.  Curr. Opin. Neurobiol. 12:93-99. [Full Text Available]
• Butt, C.M., Zhao, B., Duncan, M.J. and Debski, E.A. (2002).  Sculpting the visual map:  The distribution and function of serotonin-1A and serotonin-1B receptors in the optic tectum of the frog.  Brain Res. 931:21-31. [Full Text Available]
• Debski, E.A. (2001).  The distribution and regulation of substance P-related peptide in the frog visual system.  Microsc. Res. Tech. 54:220-228. [Full Text Available]
• Tu, S. and Debski, E.A. (2001).  Neurotrophins, but not depolarization, regulate substance P expression in the developing optic tectum.  J. Neurobiol. 48:131-149. [Full Text Available]
• Butt, C.M., Pauly, J.R., Wilkens, L.H., Dwoskin, L.P. and Debski, E.A. (2001).  Pharmacology, distribution, and development of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes in the optic tectum of Rana pipiens.  Neurosci. 104:161-179. [Full Text Available]
• Tu, S., Butt, C.M., Pauly, J.R. and Debski, E.A. (2000).  Activity-dependent regulation of substance P expression and topographic map maintenance by a cholinergic pathway.  J. Neurosci. 20:5346-5357. [Full Text Available]
• Butt, C.M., Pauly, J.R. and Debski, E.A. (2000).  Distribution and development of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes in the optic tectum of Rana pipiens.  J. Comp. Neurol. 423:603-618. [Full Text Available]
• Malayev, A.A. and Debski, E.A. (1998).  Serotonin modulates induced synaptic activity in the optic tectum of the frog.  Brain Res. 781:167-181. [Full Text Available]