The objective is to understand the relation between the sensory and association areas of the neocortex. Since the neocortex is the hallmark of man, the research proposed promises to reveal the neural basis for perception, learning and cognition. The proposal is to continue using the three shrew (Tupaia glis) as a model for higher primates. Earlier studies in this laboratory showed that the association visual cortex in Tupaia is the target of a sensory pathway originating in the tectum and relaying in the pulvinar nucleus. Tupaia provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the functional relation between th tecto-pulvinar and the geniculo-striate pathways because the behavioral deficits after ablation of either pathway alone is not incapacitating. Behavioral experiments are proposed to test acuity, pattern vision, and visual learning after ablation of the pulvinar nucleus or the striate cortex. Anatomical experiments are proposed to identify subdivisions of the pulvinar nucleus in Tupaia and their connections to cortex. Immunocytochemical and HRP transport studies are proposed to learn more about the projections of the reticular formation to the dorsal thalamus (and to the lateral geniculate and pulvinar nuclei, in particular). The use of antisera will identify terminals according to their neurotransmitter; serotonin, acetylcholine, and noradrenalin. Galago and Saimiri will be used in addition to Tupaia. Finally, it is proposed that the study of the laminar organization in striate cortex of lateral geniculate terminals be continued using the methods of intracellular injection and electron microscopy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH004849-27
Application #
3374553
Study Section
(BPNB)
Project Start
1985-12-01
Project End
1990-11-30
Budget Start
1987-12-01
Budget End
1988-11-30
Support Year
27
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Duke University
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
071723621
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705
Conley, M; Friederich-Ecsy, B (1993) Functional organization of the ventral lateral geniculate complex of the tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri): I. Nuclear subdivisions and retinal projections. J Comp Neurol 328:1-20
Diamond, I T; Fitzpatrick, D; Schmechel, D (1993) Calcium binding proteins distinguish large and small cells of the ventral posterior and lateral geniculate nuclei of the prosimian galago and the tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 90:1425-9
Conley, M; Friederich-Ecsy, B (1993) Functional organization of the ventral lateral geniculate complex of the tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri): II. Connections with the cortex, thalamus, and brainstem. J Comp Neurol 328:21-42
Diamond, I T; Fitzpatrick, D; Conley, M (1992) A projection from the parabigeminal nucleus to the pulvinar nucleus in Galago. J Comp Neurol 316:375-82
Conley, M; Wilson, K F (1992) Dendritic organization of class II (inter)neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the tree shrew: observations based on Golgi, immunocytochemical, and biocytin methods. J Comp Neurol 319:51-65
Diamond, I T; Conley, M; Fitzpatrick, D et al. (1991) Evidence for separate pathways within the tecto-geniculate projection in the tree shrew. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 88:1315-9
Raczkowski, D; Fitzpatrick, D (1990) Terminal arbors of individual, physiologically identified geniculocortical axons in the tree shrew's striate cortex. J Comp Neurol 302:500-14
Fitzpatrick, D; Raczkowski, D (1990) Innervation patterns of single physiologically identified geniculocortical axons in the striate cortex of the tree shrew. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 87:449-53
Conley, M; Raczkowski, D (1990) Sublaminar organization within layer VI of the striate cortex in Galago. J Comp Neurol 302:425-36
Raczkowski, D; Fitzpatrick, D (1989) Organization of cholinergic synapses in the cat's dorsal lateral geniculate and perigeniculate nuclei. J Comp Neurol 288:676-90

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