Anatomical and physiological investigation of auditory input to the superior colliculus of the echolocating megachiropteran bat Rousettus aegyptiacus

Experimental Brain Research
A ThieleK P Hoffmann

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate whether a representation of auditory space in the superior colliculus (SC) of the echolocating megachiropteran bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) exists. Additionally the subcortical auditory connectivity of the SC was investigated. A total of 207 units were recorded in five awake animals while presenting acoustic stimuli (white noise, clicks, and pure tones) at different positions in space. Six units responded to acoustic stimulation. Three of these located within the superficial layers and one located in the intermediate layers were classified as omnidirectional units. Two units were located within the deep layers. One was classified as a hemifield unit, and the other as a frontal unit. All units responded phasically to acoustic stimulation with a latency of 4-150 ms. None of them could be activated by visual stimuli. We further examined the interaction of paired auditory and visual stimulation in 116 visually responsive units. Responses to visual stimulation were markedly altered by acoustic stimulation in 5 units. The influence of the acoustic stimuli was temporally and spatially restricted, and resulted either in a reduction or an elevation of unit responsiveness. Horseradish peroxid...Continue Reading

Citations

Feb 9, 2017·The Journal of Comparative Neurology·Michael Anthony SavageAlexander Thiele
Oct 19, 2006·The Journal of Comparative Neurology·Gontzal García Del CañoLuis Martínez-Millán

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