ePoster

Modulation of visual responses in the mouse retina-recipient thalamus: Insights from vestibular inputs

Aghileh Ebrahimi, M Hogan, F Martial, R Storchi
FENS Forum 2024(2024)
Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Conference

FENS Forum 2024

Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Resources

Authors & Affiliations

Aghileh Ebrahimi, M Hogan, F Martial, R Storchi

Abstract

The integration of visuovestibular information plays a crucial role in gaze stabilization, self-motion discrimination, and navigation. While extensive research has explored these functions in non-image forming pathways and higher order visual cortices, the influence of the vestibular system on early stages of visual processing remains less understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of vestibular inputs on visual responses within key region receiving retinal input: the thalamic Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN). To determine the specific effects of vestibular information on visual processing, we conducted extensive recordings of spiking activity at the single-cell level in anesthetized mice. Utilizing a custom platform capable of controlled rotation along the pitch, roll, and yaw axes, we applied light stimuli during passive movement to decouple visual and vestibular inputs. High-density recordings across 384 channels were obtained using Neuropixel probes, enabling us to capture the activity of individual neurons. A comprehensive computational pipeline was employed to analyse the acquired data. Our results demonstrate that vestibular inputs exert gain modulation on visual responses in approximately 20% -30% of LGN neurons. By isolating the vestibular influence from changes in visual input due to eye movements, we provide evidence of Vestibular-Visual Integration within these early visual processing regions. Ongoing investigations focus on exploring specific visuovestibular computations related to binocular integration and colour opponency. This study enhances our understanding of how vestibular signals contribute to visual processing, shedding light on the intricate interplay between sensory systems in the early stages of visual perception.

Unique ID: fens-24/modulation-visual-responses-mouse-retina-recipient-9e68e90d