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Discharge properties of monkey tectoreticular neurons.
C Kip Rodgers1, Douglas P Munoz, Stephen H Scott
1Canadian Institutes of Health Research Group in Sensory-Motor Systems and Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Neurophysiology
|April 28, 2006
Summary
Neurons in the superior colliculus (SC) regulate eye movements. This study found SC output signals may not control saccade timing, suggesting other brain areas manage saccade termination.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Motor Control
Background:
- The superior colliculus (SC) intermediate layers house neurons crucial for saccadic eye movements.
- Saccade neurons (SNs) initiate eye motion, while fixation neurons (FNs) suppress saccades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if SC output signals are sufficient to control saccades.
- To examine the role of tectoreticular neurons (TRNs) in determining saccade termination.
Main Methods:
- Antidromically identified TRNs (33 SNs, 13 FNs) were studied.
- Discharge properties and temporal activity patterns of TRNs were analyzed.
Main Results:
- TRNs exhibited properties similar to nonidentified SC neurons.
- A minority of TRNs showed temporal activity patterns sufficient for saccade termination.
- Output SNs continued firing post-saccade, and output FNs did not activate before saccade end.
Conclusions:
- SC's role in regulating saccade termination timing via a temporal code is unlikely.
- Other saccade centers may override SC signals, suggesting a spatial code for termination.