Our ability to visually identify small objects or to read while we walk, run, or ride depends critically on the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) to minimize image motion across the retina. The basic organization of this reflex appears deceptively simple, a three neuron arc that processes sensory signals to produce eye movements (E + H = O). We now know, however, that the 3 neuron arc is but one of the many pathways used to produce the VOR, and that other, less direct, pathways process essential signals for the reflex. At least 4 nuclear groups, identified by their direct connections with vertical oculomotoneurons, are involved in the vertical VOR: the vestibular nuclei, the vestibular y-group, the INC, and the rMLF. We know the discharge patterns or signals carried by neurons in these nuclei, and we can make reasonable assumptions about what signal is conveyed to motoneurons by each of these premotor sources. Our long range goal is to analyze how the oculomotor system generates these signals, and how they are combined to produce normal vertical conjugate eye movements, but this proposal is aimed specifically at the contribution of the INC and the vestibular y-group. These nuclei carry signals closely related to slow phase eye velocity and to eye position during the vertical VOR, smooth pursuit, and fixations. The vertical VOR is an integrated response to afferent signals arising from the semicircular canals, the otolith organs, and the visual system. The secondary goal of this proposal is to learn how these afferent signals interact and are combined to produce the vertical VOR.
These aims are specifically delineated as research needs and opportunities in conjugate eye movement control in the NIH publication, Vision Research: A National Plan 1983-1987.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01EY004045-05A1
Application #
3258504
Study Section
Visual Sciences B Study Section (VISB)
Project Start
1978-12-01
Project End
1988-09-29
Budget Start
1985-09-30
Budget End
1986-09-29
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Rochester
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
208469486
City
Rochester
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14627
King, W M (2011) Binocular coordination of eye movements--Hering's Law of equal innervation or uniocular control? Eur J Neurosci 33:2139-46
Zhou, Wu; Tang, Bing Feng; Newlands, Shawn D et al. (2006) Responses of monkey vestibular-only neurons to translation and angular rotation. J Neurophysiol 96:2915-30
Zhou, Wu; Weldon, Patrick; Tang, Bingfeng et al. (2003) Rapid motor learning in the translational vestibulo-ocular reflex. J Neurosci 23:4288-98
King, W M; Zhou, Wu (2002) Neural basis of disjunctive eye movements. Ann N Y Acad Sci 956:273-83
Zhou, Wu; King, W M (2002) Attentional sensitivity and asymmetries of vertical saccade generation in monkey. Vision Res 42:771-9
Zhou, W; Weldon, P; Tang, B et al. (2002) Rapid adaptation of translational vestibulo-ocular reflex: independence of retinal slip. Ann N Y Acad Sci 956:558-60
Zhou, W; Weldon, P; Tang, B et al. (2002) Rapid adaptation of translational vestibulo-ocular reflex: time course, consolidation, and specificity. Ann N Y Acad Sci 956:555-7
Zhou, W; Tang, B F; King, W M (2001) Responses of rostral fastigial neurons to linear acceleration in an alert monkey. Exp Brain Res 139:111-5
Zhou, W; King, W M (1997) Binocular eye movements not coordinated during REM sleep. Exp Brain Res 117:153-60
Zhou, W; King, W M (1996) Ocular selectivity of units in oculomotor pathways. Ann N Y Acad Sci 781:724-8

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