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Electrical microstimulation thresholds for behavioral detection and saccades in monkey frontal eye fields.

Dona K Murphey¹, John H R Maunsell

¹Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

|May 15, 2008

Summary

Monkeys could detect frontal eye field (FEF) stimulation below saccade thresholds, suggesting FEF involvement in perception and attention beyond just eye movements.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience
Ophthalmology

Background:

The frontal eye field (FEF) is primarily known for its role in controlling saccadic eye movements.
Emerging evidence suggests the FEF also plays a crucial part in visual perception and attention.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the sensory detection capabilities of the FEF.
To determine if FEF microstimulation is detectable at currents below those that elicit eye movements.

Main Methods:

Electrical microstimulation was applied to the FEF in monkeys.
Stimulation currents were varied to assess detection thresholds versus saccade generation thresholds.

Main Results:

FEF neuronal stimulation was detectable at currents lower than those required for saccade generation.

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A strong correlation was observed between the current needed for detection and the current needed for saccade generation.

Conclusions:

FEF neurons may represent the preparation for specific saccades.
Awareness of these preparations can occur even without overt eye movements, indicating a role in perception and attention.