Classification of Object Size in Retinotectal Microcircuits

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.09.012
• Publication Date: 2014-09-18T13:08:45Z
• Authors: Stephanie J. Preuss; Chintan A. Trivedi; Colette M. vom Be...; Soojin Ryu; Johann H. Bollmann
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Superior Colliculi; Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all); Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all); Axons; Retina; Electrophysiological Phenomena; 03 medical and health sciences; Larva; Visual Perception; Animals; Visual Pathways; Size Perception; Zebrafish; Retinal Neurons

BackgroundA principal task of the visual system is to detect and classify moving objects in environment. Information about size an object critical for selecting appropriate behavioral responses. Object encoded retinal ganglion cell (RGC) activity. Little known, however, how inputs from multitude RGC subtypes are distributed higher centers information combined these feature-selective inputs.ResultsHere we show that zebrafish optic tectum, prey- or predator-like targets evoke activity distinct groups fibers dependent on target size, demonstrating a origin tectal classification. Small-size-selective relatively more frequent most superficial layer neuropil, whereas large-size-selective predominate deeper layers. Monostratified interneurons (SINs) process large-size- small-size-selective signals their dendritic layer, consistent with input organization. Further downstream, small- large-sized population separate sets neurons.ConclusionsEthologically relevant classes preferentially processed different layers neuropil. The tectum categorizes basis retinally computed information, suggesting role visually guided response selection.