Neural Mechanisms Underlying Visual and Visuo-Motor Processing in the Avian Brain

鸟类大脑视觉和视觉运动处理的神经机制

• 批准号: 170363-2013
• 负责人: Wylie, Douglas
• 金额: $ 4.88万
• 依托单位: University of Alberta
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2015
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2015-01-01 至 2016-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=569575
• 关键词: Neural; Mechanisms; Underlying; Visual; Visuo

This proposal outlines a broad research program aimed at understanding neural pathways underlying sensory, perceptual, and cognitive processes. The research is comparative in nature, using birds as a model, and involves several techniques including neuronal recording, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and behavioural testing. Overall, there are two major objectives. The first objective is to determine the physiological, and neuroanantomical organization of pathways in the brain that process visual information. In this proposal, we will examine how the visual pathways are connected with the motor areas in the brain that directly control the eyes, head and limbs. We will also record from neurons in these pathways to determine how they process complex patterns of motion, and determine the neurotransmitters used for communication between neurons in these pathways. This research is important because it will reveal the pathways in the brain that allow us to use vision to control posture and locomotion, behaviours that are critical for our survival. It is applicable to medical science as there are many clinical conditions that involve damage to these pathways, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer disease. The second objective is to understand the evolution of brain-behaviour relationships in birds using a comparative approach. We have begun studying brain-behaviour relationships among birds by amassing the largest and most diverse collection of avian brains in the world. We will use this collection to determine how the brain evolved with changes in sensory abilities such as vision and hearing, as well as changes in complex motor skills. This research is important because it reveals how the brain evolved as bird species began changing their behaviour to adapt to changes in the environment. The general principles we learn from this research will significantly increase our understanding of brain-behaviour relationships, the evolution of the human brain, and advanced cognitive processes.

该提案概述了一个广泛的研究计划，旨在了解感觉，知觉和认知过程的神经通路。这项研究是比较性质的，使用鸟类作为模型，并涉及几种技术，包括神经元记录，神经解剖学，神经化学和行为测试。总体而言，有两个主要目标。第一个目标是确定大脑中处理视觉信息的通路的生理和神经解剖学组织。在这个建议中，我们将研究视觉通路如何与大脑中直接控制眼睛，头部和四肢的运动区域联系起来。我们还将记录这些通路中的神经元，以确定它们如何处理复杂的运动模式，并确定用于这些通路中神经元之间通信的神经递质。这项研究很重要，因为它将揭示大脑中的通路，使我们能够使用视觉来控制姿势和运动，这些行为对我们的生存至关重要。它适用于医学科学，因为有许多临床条件涉及这些途径的损害，如多发性硬化症和阿尔茨海默病。第二个目标是使用比较方法来了解鸟类大脑行为关系的演变。通过收集世界上最大和最多样化的鸟类大脑，我们已经开始研究鸟类之间的大脑行为关系。我们将使用这些数据来确定大脑如何随着视觉和听觉等感官能力的变化以及复杂运动技能的变化而进化。这项研究很重要，因为它揭示了鸟类开始改变行为以适应环境变化时大脑是如何进化的。我们从这项研究中学到的一般原则将大大增加我们对大脑行为关系，人类大脑进化和高级认知过程的理解。