GABAergic control of retinal ganglion cell dendritic development

► Retinal GABA synthesis can be blocked in ovo with the GAD inhibitor l-allylglycine. ► GABA synthesis inhibition prevents maturation of the retinal network. ► Chronic GABAAR blockade induces dendritic loss in developing ganglion cells. ► GABA synthesis inhibition induces dendritic loss and global dendritic retraction. ► Both those effects occur during persistent enhanced retinal network activity.