A compensatory movement called optokinetic nystagmus functions to stabilize vision when the surrounding visual world is moved. This reflexive eye movement is controled by structures of the brain located both in " higher centers" such as the cerebral cortex and in "lower centers" such as the nucleus of the optic tract, the dorsal terminal acessory nucleus and the lateral terminal acessory optic nucleus. In this award to Dr. Roland Giolli, studies will be conducted to determine how these different areas are interconnected by tracing the neuroanatomical pathways between them. In addition, the precise localization of the neurotransmitter GABA, which is involved in inhibitory responses of these pathways, will be identified by immunocytochemical methods. This research will contribute basic knowledge about the role of the brain in control of eye movements.
