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Frontal eye field neurons orthodromically activated from the superior colliculus
1Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4435, USA.
Journal of Neurophysiology
|December 24, 1998
Summary
This study reveals that neurons in the frontal eye field (FEF) receive signals from the superior colliculus (SC). This provides the first evidence of visual and saccade-related information flowing from the SC to the FEF.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- The frontal eye field (FEF) and superior colliculus (SC) in monkeys have known reciprocal connections.
- Previous research detailed signals from FEF to SC, but SC to FEF pathways remained uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To physiologically identify and characterize FEF neurons receiving input from the SC.
- To investigate the nature of signals transmitted from the SC to the FEF.
Main Methods:
- Physiological identification of FEF neurons activated by SC stimulation.
- Recording neuronal responses to SC electrical stimulation in monkeys.
- Testing neuronal responses to visual stimuli and during saccadic eye movements.
Main Results:
- Fifty-two FEF neurons were found to be orthodromically activated by electrical stimulation of the SC.
- All tested neurons (n=34) responded to visual stimulation.
- Half of the tested neurons also discharged during saccadic eye movements.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first direct evidence for an ascending pathway from the SC to the FEF.
- The pathway appears to transmit visual- and saccade-related signals.
- Findings support a model of bidirectional interaction between the SC and FEF in saccade generation.