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A model for optokinetic eye movements in turtles that incorporates properties of retinal-slip neurons

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 June 2009

Alexander F. Rosenberg  and
Michael Ariel
Alexander F. Rosenberg
Affiliation:
Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
Michael Ariel
Affiliation:
Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
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Abstract

The turtle's optokinetic response is described by a simple model that incorporates visual-response properties of neurons in the pretectum and accessory optic system. Using data from neuronal and eye-movement recordings that have been previously published, the model was realized using algebraic-block simulation software. It was found that the optokinetic response, modelled as a simple negative feedback system, was similar to that measured from a behaving animal. Because the responses of retinal-slip detecting neurons corresponded to the nonlinear, closed-loop optokinetic response, it was concluded that the visual signals encoded in these neurons could provide sufficient sensory information to drive the optokinetic reflex. Furthermore, it appears that the low gain of optokinetic eye movements in turtles, which have a negligible velocity storage time constant, may allow stable oculomotor output in spite of neuronal delays in the reflex pathway. This model illustrates how visual neurons in the pretectum and accessory optic system can contribute to visually guided eye movements.

Keywords

Accessory optic systemPretectumOptokineticOculomotorTurtle
Type
Research Articles
Information
Visual Neuroscience , Volume 13 , Issue 2 , March 1996 , pp. 375 - 383
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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