Convergence of Y and non-Y channels onto single neurons in the superior colliculi of the cat

Neuroreport. 2001 Sep 17;12(13):2927-33. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200109170-00035.

Abstract

Receptive field properties of single neurons in the cat superior colliculus were examined following selective conduction-block of Y-type fibers in contralateral optic nerve. Although the responses evoked by photic stimuli presented via the Y-blocked eye were significantly weaker than those evoked by stimuli presented via the normal eye, > 85% of collicular cells were binocular. Furthermore, when binocular cells were stimulated via the Y-blocked eye their median upper cut-off velocity (100 degrees /s) was significantly lower than that (400 degrees /s) for stimuli presented via the normal eye. Thus, there is a substantial degree of excitatory convergence of Y- and non-Y- information channels on single collicular neurons and the responses to high velocity of motion appear to depend on the integrity of Y-type input.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology*
  • Afferent Pathways / cytology
  • Afferent Pathways / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Male
  • Motion Perception / physiology*
  • Optic Nerve / cytology
  • Optic Nerve / physiology*
  • Orientation / physiology
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / cytology
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / physiology*
  • Superior Colliculi / cytology
  • Superior Colliculi / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology
  • Vision, Binocular / physiology*