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. 1981 Aug 14;213(4509):789-91.
doi: 10.1126/science.7256281.

Integration of visual and infrared information in bimodal neurons in the rattlesnake optic tectum

E A Newman, P H Hartline

Integration of visual and infrared information in bimodal neurons in the rattlesnake optic tectum

E A Newman et al. Science. .

Abstract

Bimodal neurons in the rattlesnake tectum, which receive sensory input from the retina and from the infrared-sensing pit organ, exhibit novel, highly nonlinear cross-modality interactions. Some units respond only to simultaneous bimodal stimulation. Others respond to only one of the two modalities, but show greatly enhanced or depressed responses when stimulated simultaneously in the second modality. These cross-modality interactions may play an important role in recognizing and orienting toward biologically important objects.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Raster displays of six units representing the six classes of visual-infrared bimodal neurons of the rattlesnake tectum. Each vertical line represents an action potential (closely spaced lines are not always distinguishable). Five successive 15-second trials are repeated in each raster display. The time courses of the IR and visual stimuli are shown in the upper and lower traces below each display. (A) Per presentation, the OR unit gives a moderate IR response of 6.0 spikes (average of five trials), a visual response of 12.4 spikes, and a visual-IR bimodal response of 17.6 spikes, a 4 percent occlusion. (B) A visual response of 3.8 spikes per presentation is enhanced 63 percent by simultaneous IR stimulation. Unimodal IR stimulation produces no response. (C) An IR response of 5.6 spikes per presentation is enhanced 100 percent by simultaneous visual stimulation. Unimodal visual stimulation gives no response. (D) Both IR and visual unimodal stimuli produce unreliable single spikes, while simultaneous bimodal stimulation produces a brief but strong response of 4.2 spikes per presentation, a 425 percent facilitation. (E) A strong visual response of 15.6 spikes per presentation is depressed 96 percent by simultaneous IR stimulation. (F) An IR response of 6.4 spikes per presentation is depressed 56 percent by simultaneous visual stimulation. IR stimuli: 1 second on flashes. Visual stimuli: (A) 1°, 0.5-second off flash; (B) 10° spot moved at 40° per second for 1 second; (C) 5° spot moved at 40° per second for 1 second; (D) 3°, 1-second on flash; (E) 0.5° spot moved at 20° per second for 1 second; and (F) 15°, 1-second off flash.
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References

    1. We use the term “tectum” in referring to the optic tecta of nonmammalian vertebrates as well as the superior colliculi of mammals.

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