A Descending Circuit Derived From the Superior Colliculus Modulates Vibrissal Movements.

ABSTRACT: The superior colliculus (SC) is an essential structure for the control of eye movements. In rodents, the SC is also considered to play an important role in whisking behavior, in which animals actively move their vibrissae (mechanosensors) to gather tactile information about the space around them during exploration. We investigated how the SC contributes to vibrissal movement control. We found that when the SC was unilaterally lesioned, the resting position of the vibrissae shifted backward on the side contralateral to the lesion. The unilateral SC lesion also induced an increase in the whisking amplitude on the contralateral side. To explore the anatomical basis for SC involvement in vibrissal movement control, we then quantitatively evaluated axonal projections from the SC to the brainste

SUBMITTER: Kaneshige M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6262173 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature