The central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) plays a key role in the acoustic analysis of spectral, temporal and binaural information. Its laminar organization and highly ordered mosaic of converging afferents suggests a critical role in consolidating this acoustic information in the transition to the auditory thalamus. We hypothesize that the distributed layout of spectro-temporal and binaural receptive field features will be systematically ordered in the central nucleus in a manner that reflects the patterns of innervating afferents and the local collicular circuitry. In this study, we propose to characterize the distributed organization of spectro-temporal receptive field (STRF) preferences within the central nucleus. STRF analysis with structured broadband noise will be used to characterize neuronal preferences and to systematically relate these to measurements from conventional pure-tone stimuli. Single unit recording experiments are proposed to characterize the micro-organization of STRF preferences and to identify the roles of receptive field inheritance / construction in the transformation from the brainstem to the central nucleus. Distributed mapping of the ICC will then allow us to simultaneously characterize the global-organization of spectral, temporal and binaural receptive field preferences within the three dimensional structure. Concurrent anatomic studies will show the topographic position of two parallel recording tracks and their respective projections to medial geniculate body. The expected findings will provide a framework for understanding the acoustic analysis of spectro-temporal and binaural features in complex auditory stimuli, which we can then relate to the organizational hierarchy of brainstem inputs, local circuitry, and modular organization. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DC006397-03
Application #
7057859
Study Section
Auditory System Study Section (AUD)
Program Officer
Platt, Christopher
Project Start
2004-07-15
Project End
2009-05-31
Budget Start
2006-06-01
Budget End
2007-05-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$252,914
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Connecticut
Department
Engineering (All Types)
Type
Schools of Engineering
DUNS #
614209054
City
Storrs-Mansfield
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06269
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