Synapse
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There is recent evidence of continuing development throughout adolescence in two neural areas involved in emotion and cognition, the basolateral amygdala (BLN) and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Previous research from our laboratory has demonstrated a cellular loss in both of these brain regions in rats between postnatal day (P) 35 and 90. This study investigates dendritic changes in pyramidal neurons of the BLN and Layer 5 of the mPFC at P20 (juvenile), 35 (puberty), and 90 (adulthood) in hooded rats of both sexes. ⋯ BLN spine density also remained stable during this period. These results show that the dendritic tree grows prior to puberty while dendritic remodeling and pruning occurs after puberty in both of these neural areas. This late development may lead to susceptibilities to psychopathologies and addictions that often develop at this time.