The main objective of this proposal is the creation of a new and more broadly based collaborative group of scientists whose work is focussed on vision. Studies to be undertaken by these investigators and already in progress include physiological, anatomical and chemical approaches, on animals ranging from rats and mice to humans. Neural circuitry of the retina will be examined using light and EM techniques, in normal animals, especially monkeys, and mutants (mice). Studies of the functional architecture of monkey visual cortex by anatomical and physiological methods will continue, concentrating in the immediate future on areas 17 and 18, and focussing on color and stereoscopic mechanisms. Chemical studies will be aimed mainly at learning what neurotransmitters are used at various stages in the visual path, and will be done in the intact animal, in brain slices, and in tissue culture. Studies on the crystalline lens will employ EM and light microscope techniques plus chemistry and electrophysiology. Clinical investigations of postnatal developing visual systems, ambylopia and other defects such as albinism will employ the techniques of psychophysics, electrophysiology (ERG) and, in animal studies of retina, chemistry. The maintenance of Core facilities will greatly aid the pooling of expert knowledge over this huge range of techniques and disciplines. The following modules are being requested: (1) Computer/Electronics; (2) EM/Histology; (3) Instrumentation; (4) Machine Shop; and (5) Administration.
| Balkema, G W (1988) Elevated dark-adapted thresholds in albino rodents. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 29:544-9 |
| Gilbert, C D; Wiesel, T N (1985) Intrinsic connectivity and receptive field properties in visual cortex. Vision Res 25:365-74 |
