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Published on: August 1, 2018
Early Development of Direction Selectivity in the Higher Visual Cortex
Dallas C Khamiss1,2, Augusto A Lempel1,2, Brandon R Nanfito1,2
1Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.
Summary
Visual motion direction processing develops earlier in higher visual cortex (PMLS) than in primary visual cortex (V1) in ferrets. Visual experience impacts development differently across these areas, challenging hierarchical models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Visual System Research
Background:
- Motion direction selectivity is crucial for visual processing.
- This selectivity is present in early (V1) and higher visual areas (PMLS in ferrets).
- Developmental processes in higher visual cortex remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental trajectory of motion direction selectivity in the ferret visual pathway.
- To compare the development of direction selectivity in the postero-medial lateral suprasylvian (PMLS) area and the primary visual cortex (V1).
- To examine the influence of visual experience on the development of direction selectivity in V1 and PMLS.
Main Methods:
- Studied the development of the motion pathway in ferrets of both sexes.
- Presented drifting gratings (full motion cues) and flashing stationary stimuli (temporal changes only).
- Recorded and analyzed direction selectivity in V1 and PMLS.
Main Results:
- Direction selectivity emerged earlier in PMLS than in V1, contrary to hierarchical expectations.
- Drifting gratings promoted development in both V1 and PMLS.
- Flashing stimuli induced development only in PMLS, not V1.
- Developmental sensitivity to visual experience differed between V1 and PMLS.
Conclusions:
- PMLS development significantly deviates from V1 development, impacting models of motion pathway and disorder development.
- The coordinated development of visual areas is complex and not strictly hierarchical.
- Further research should address inter-areal interactions during development.
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