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Published on: July 14, 2016
Saccade-related information in the superior temporal motion complex: quantitative functional mapping in the monkey.
Sophia Bakola1, Georgia G Gregoriou, Adonis K Moschovakis
1Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Iraklion, Crete, Greece.
Summary
The motion complex, including V5/MT, MST, and FST areas, is involved in both visual motion and saccadic eye movements. These brain regions process oculomotor signals for visually guided and memory-guided saccades.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oculomotor Research
- Primate Brain Imaging
Background:
- The motion complex (V5/MT, MST, FST) is crucial for visual motion and smooth-pursuit eye movements.
- Its role in rapid eye movements (saccades) remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of the motion complex in saccadic eye movements.
- To map cortical activity during visually guided and memory-guided saccades in rhesus monkeys.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the quantitative 14C-deoxyglucose method for functional mapping.
- Recorded cortical activity in the superior temporal sulcus during saccade tasks.
- Compared brain activation during saccades to visual targets versus saccades to memorized targets in darkness.
Main Results:
- Fixational effects observed in MT-foveal, FST, V4t, and temporal-occipital areas.
- V5/MT, MST, and V4t were activated for both visual and memory saccades.
- Extensive overlap in activated regions between light and dark conditions.
- FST and a polysensory area activated for visual saccades.
Conclusions:
- Cortical activity during visually guided saccades can be attributed partly to visual motion.
- Robust activation during memory saccades in darkness suggests processing of oculomotor signals.
- Areas V5/MT, MST, and V4t likely receive and process saccade-related oculomotor information.
