[Electrophysiologic analysis of the representation of the somatosensory system in the dogfish midbrain tectum]

Evoked responses in the dogfish tectum opticum were studied during electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, its dorsal roots and ramus ophthalmicus of the facial nerve. Recordings were obtained from different depth as well as from different points on the tectum surface. Evoked responses could be detected mainly on the contralateral side of the tectum opticum either as slow positive (spinal cord stimulation) or negative-positive (facial stimulation) waves which were preceeded by one or two fast, probably, presynaptic deflections and followed by a very slow low-amplitude negative wave. The evoked responses possessed the properties of tectal postsynaptic responses, being somatotopically distributed on the surface and reversely represented in the inner part of the tectal lamina. Projections of different inputs were widely overlapped, but specific areas of maximal activity were presented. These findings evidence that the tectum opticum performs a double function: a primary projecting and an integrative centre.