Research Article

Layer 5 Pyramidal Neurons’ Dendritic Remodeling and Increased Microglial Density in Primary Motor Cortex in a Murine Model of Facial Paralysis

Figure 2

Differential apical and basal dendrite length modifications in vM1 layer 5 pyramidal neurons following facial nerve axotomy. (a, b, c) Top row, two-dimensional projection of stacks of two-photon confocal images of vibrissal motor cortex layer 5 pyramidal neurons expressing EYFP; bottom row, two-dimensional computer-assisted traces of layer 5 pyramidal neurons from sham and injured animals (reconstructed neurons are indicated by an asterisk in top row images). Micrographs and reconstructions obtained either from mice undergoing (a) sham surgery, (b) one week recovery after facial lesion, and (c) three-week recovery after facial lesion. (d) Total length of apical dendritic tree of layer 5 pyramidal neurons from each experimental group. (e) Total length of basal dendritic tree of layer 5 pyramidal neurons from each experimental group. Bars and error whiskers represent the mean + SEM. 1 W, 1 week after peripheral nerve lesion; 3 W, 3 weeks after peripheral nerve lesion; .
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