Modular Representation of Luminance Polarity in the Superficial Layers of Primary Visual Cortex.

ABSTRACT: The spatial arrangement of luminance increments (ON) and decrements (OFF) falling on the retina provides a wealth of information used by central visual pathways to construct coherent representations of visual scenes. But how the polarity of luminance change is represented in the activity of cortical circuits remains unclear. Using wide-field epifluorescence and two-photon imaging we demonstrate a robust modular representation of luminance polarity (ON or OFF) in the superficial layers of ferret primary visual cortex. Polarity-specific domains are found with both uniform changes in luminance and single light/dark edges, and include neurons selective for orientation and direction of motion. The integration of orientation and polarity preference is evident in the selectivity and discriminatio

SUBMITTER: Smith GB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4753785 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature