Improving Visual Perception by Brain Centrifugal Modulation
Abstract
Major Goals: The objectives of the proposed research are to study the mechanisms and physiological roles of sensory integration in visual system functions. In all vertebrate species examined thus far, the retinas receive centrifugal input from the brain. In fish, the centrifugal pathway originates from olfactory terminalis neurons (TNs). The TNs project axons to the retina where they synapse with dopaminergic amacrine cells, and occasionally, retinal ganglion cells. In this research, we will study the mechanisms and roles of olfacto-retinal sensory integration in modulation of retinal sensitivity. The research will be conducted using transgenic zebrafish models. In Aim 1, we will test a hypothesis that in the retina the olfactory signals are separately processed by GnRH- and dopamine-mediated signaling pathways. In Aim 2, we will identify key factors that regulate TN axonal projection to the retina. The proposed research is not about fish vision or olfaction; instead it will study the fundamentals related to multisensory perception. The goal of this research is to understand the mechanisms of sensory integration in vertebrates including humans. Accomplishments: During the funding period, we examined the development and pathfinding of terminalis nerves (TNs) in zebrafish. The TNs are located in the olfactory bulb, and they project axons to many brain areas including the neural retina. Using genetic and immunocytochemical techniques, we demonstrated that in the retina, the TN axons synapse with dopaminergic interplexiform cells (DA-IPCs). Furthermore, we examine the role of GnRH (released by TN) and dopamine (released by DA-IPC) signaling in TN axon projection to the retina using transgenic zebrafish. The research was conducted using both developing embryos and adult animals. The results from this research were published in Developmental Neuroscience. In summary, we accomplished the goals proposed in the research plan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1080911
Entities
People
- Lei Li
Organizations
- University of Notre Dame