Visual System Organization and Development

描述（由申请人提供）：在我们的视觉信息处理工作模型中，我们假设有三个分离的平行通路[大细胞(M)，旁细胞(P)和koniocelIular (K)]从外侧遗传核（LGN）到初级视觉皮层（V1），形成专用和多功能的系统和网络。在该方案中，V1的单独输出层和隔室具有不同的模式，用于利用来自所有三个输入通路的信号并产生有助于外皮层区域的动态和功能图的输出信号。根据这个模型，我们项目的主要工作是了解灵长类动物中平行LGN通路如何影响V1及其外靶细胞的特性。这一建议侧重于所有三种LGN中继以及它们的输入如何影响V1和更高的视觉中枢，但考虑到K通路直到最近在很大程度上被忽视的事实，这一建议将重点放在了K通路上。我们的具体目标是为了检验我们的工作模型所产生的假设。在Aim I中，我们将确定生理上不同的K通道的数量和投射到K LGN层的视网膜神经节细胞的类别。在Aim II中，我们将确定LGN中继细胞与V1中发现的动力学和功能图谱之间的关系。在Aim III中，我们将应用Aim II中使用的相同技术来确定LGN继电器如何有助于在域外区域V2， V3和DM/V3a中发现的动态和功能图。我们提出的研究结果将为我们理解大脑如何处理视觉信息和大脑结构的基本原理提供重要的新信息。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In our working model of visual information processing, we hypothesize that there are three segregated parallel pathways [magnocellular (M), parvocellular (P), and koniocelIular (K)] from the lateral genicuIate nucleus (LGN) to primary visual cortex (V1), forming both dedicated and multi-functional systems and networks. Within this scheme, separate output layers and compartments of V1 have distinct modes for utilizing signals from all three input pathways and generating output signals that contribute to the dynamics and functional maps of extrastriate areas. In light of this model, the major effort of our project is to understand how parallel LGN pathways in primates contributes to the properties of V1 and its extrastriate targets. This proposal focuses on all three LGN relays and how their inputs affect V1 and higher visual centers, but places added emphasis on the K pathway considering the fact that it has been, until recently, largely ignored. Our specific aims are designed to test hypotheses generated by our working model. In Aim I, we will determine the number of physiologically distinct K channels and the classes of retinal ganglion ceils that project to K LGN layers. In Aim II, we will determine the relationship between LGN relay cells and the dynamics and functional maps found within V1. In Aim III, we will apply the same techniques utilized in Aim II to determine how LGN relays contribute to the dynamics and functional maps found within extrastriate areas V2, V3, and DM/V3a. The results of our proposed studies will contribute important new information to our understanding of the fundamentals of how the brain processes visual information and of brain architecture in general.