Functional Imaging Reveals Visual Modulation of Specific Fields in Auditory Cortex

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4737-06.2007
• Publication Date: 2007-02-21T18:59:09Z
• Authors: Christoph Kayser; Christopher I. Pe...; Mark Augath; Nikos K. Logothetis
• Keywords: Multisensory Integration; Functional Imaging; Sensory stimulation therapy; Sensory Processing

Merging the information from different senses is essential for successful interaction with real-life situations. Indeed, sensory integration can reduce perceptual ambiguity, speed reactions, or change qualitative experience. It widely held that occurs at later processing stages and mostly in higher association cortices; however, recent studies suggest convergence occur primary cortex. A good model early proved to be auditory cortex, which modulated by visual tactile stimulation; given large number small size of fields, neither human imaging nor microelectrode recordings have systematically identified fields are susceptible multisensory influences. To reconcile findings anatomical knowledge nonhuman primates, we exploited high-resolution (functional magnetic resonance imaging) macaque monkey study modulation stimulation. Using a functional parcellation localized modulations individual fields. Our results demonstrate both (core) nonprimary (belt) activated mere presentation scenes. Audiovisual was restricted caudal [prominently core field (primary cortex) belt (caudomedial field, caudolateral mediomedial field)] continued parabelt superior temporal sulcus. The same exhibited enhancement activation stimulation showed stronger less effective stimuli, two characteristics integration. Together, these reveal prominently but also lowest cortical processing.