The representation of the auditory and somatosensory systems in the external nucleus of the cat inferior colliculus

Abstract

Parallel single unit and retrograde tracing experiments were carried out in the anesthetized cat to elucidate the representation of the auditory and somatosensory systems in the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICX). Units responding to tonal stimuli were more commonly encountered in ICX and the adjacent intercollicular area (ICA) than were units with identified tactile receptive fields. Concomitantly, a larger number of retrogradely labeled cells were identified in midbrain auditory structures, following injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into CRX, than were found in the combined dorsal column nuclei. Microelectrode recording revealed that the entire accessible body surface was represented in ICX, and receptive fields of individual units were usually large and mostly located on the contralateral side. HRP-labeled cells were scattered throughout the contralateral cuneate, gracile, and spinal trigeminal nuclei. tations of tone pips. Responses to complex sound were commonly observed. Binaural stimuli influenced the firing of the majority of auditory units. Labeled auditory neurons following ICX injections were found mainly in the inferior colliculus of both sides. Spread of tracer into the central and pericentral nuclei was associated with labeling of many neurons in hind brain auditory structures. Only vague suggestions of somatotopy or tonotopy were observed in the electrophysiological experiments; similarly, no topographical relationship between HRP injection site and locus of retrograde label in a given projecting nucleus could be discerned. Speculations were made, in the light of the dual convergent sensory representation in ICX, about the role of this structure in acoustico-motor mechanisms.