The overall goal of the proposed research is to investigate pre-motor and sensory neural activity in an organism actively exploring its environment. The echolocating bat will serve as a model system for the proposed research. Echolocation is a highly developed behavior that coordinates the production of sonar vocalizations, head and pinna movements, with analysis of returning echoes that carry information about reflecting objects. Therefore, the generation of orienting behaviors, including vocalizations, directly influences the sensory information used to build a representation of the auditory environment. We propose to investigate audio-motor integration in the superior colliculus (SC), a midbrain structure implicated in sensor/motor integration. Current pilot studies show brisk neuronal activity in the superior colliculus preceding and following the production of sonar vocalizations in a time-locked fashion.This is in contrast to the relatively sluggish sensory responses observed in recordings from passively listening bats. This research will: 1) investigate the timing and pattern of neuronal activity in the superior colliculus prior to and during head and pinna orienting movements, 2) investigate the timing and pattern of neuronal activity in the superior colliculus related to sonar vocal production, and 3) compare the responses of combination-sensitive (echo-delay tuned) neurons between actively echolocating and passively listening conditions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31MH067454-02
Application #
6816965
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F02B (20))
Program Officer
Curvey, Mary F
Project Start
2003-09-30
Project End
2005-09-29
Budget Start
2004-09-30
Budget End
2005-09-29
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$33,482
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Maryland College Park
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
790934285
City
College Park
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
20742