The long-term goal of the proposed research is to identify and understand the cellular mechanisms of spatial attention. Previous accounts of the mechanisms underlying spatial attention are based on damage to structures following strokes in human patients. However, the results of these studies neither correlate well with each other nor with monkey studies that used more precise, reversible lesions of the same structures, despite the interspecies similarity of attention shifting behaviors. Our goal is to develop a model of attention shifting that is more consonant with new data on 1) the mechanisms that move the eyes, 2) the interdependence of structures mediating overt and covert movements in humans, and 3) new data on the importance of acetylcholine for covert orienting. To accomplish this, we will use the method of iocal drug infusion to alter attentional orienting in trained Rhesus monkeys. The animals are taught to shift attention to peripheral targets while maintaining visual fixation. As a control condition, they are also tained to attend to target changes at the fixation point. The results will be important because they will identify the structures normally used to shift the attention, and by deduction, the structures that are malfunctioning in attention-deficit disorder and Alzheimer's disease. The pharmacological results may also help develop more rational strategies for treating attentional disorders and may clarify the attentional benefits of tobacco use and abuse.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DA012765-03
Application #
6644180
Study Section
Integrative, Functional and Cognitive Neuroscience 8 (IFCN)
Program Officer
Aigner, Thomas G
Project Start
2001-09-30
Project End
2005-07-31
Budget Start
2003-08-01
Budget End
2005-07-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$220,119
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Oregon
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
948117312
City
Eugene
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97403
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