Baicalin reactivates ocular dominance plasticity to restore vision from amblyopia in adult mice

Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced visual acuity due to abnormal visual experience during critical periods. In adulthood, the diminished plasticity of the primary visual cortex (V1) presents a major barrier to effective treatment. Here, we investigate whether baicalin, a flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis, can restore ocular dominance plasticity (ODP) and promote functional recovery in a mouse model of adult amblyopia. Using intrinsic signal optical imaging and electrophysiological recording, we demonstrate that 10 mg/kg baicalin treatment reactivates ODP in adult mice, whereas 5mg/kg or Scutellaria water extract fails to do so. Furthermore, baicalin combined with reverse suturing in adult amblyopic mice restored both ocular dominance distribution and visual acuity to normal levels. Baicalin treatment reduced the expression of two major GABA synthetic enzymes (glutamate decarboxylase, GAD65/67) and perineuronal nets in V1, while administration of the GABA_A receptor agonist muscimol during the baicalin treatment blocked the rescued ODP. These findings suggested that a reduction in cortical inhibition might underlie the restoration of visual plasticity in adults. Our results suggest that baicalin may serve as a potential therapy for adult amblyopia.