Circuit dynamics of the superior colliculus revealed by?in vitro?voltage imaging
The superior colliculus (SC) is well known for its involvement in the conversion of sensory stimuli into motor commands. This sensorimotor integration is made possible by the collective activity of multiple neuronal connections throughout the SC. Still, the majority of SC research focuses on?in vivo?extracellular recordings of behaving monkeys or?in vitro?patch-clamp recordings from lower mammals. Here, we discuss the results of an?in vitro?voltage-imaging technique in which population activity across the rodent SC circuitry was visualized to bridge the gap between single-cell recordings and whole-animal behavior. The high temporal and spatial resolution of the voltage-imaging technique allowed us to visualize patterns of activity following stimulation at discrete laminae. Stimulation within either the superficial or intermediate layer showed recruitment of disparate SC circuitry. These results provide insight into the circuit dynamics and neuronal populations that underlie behavior.
circuits sensorimotor electrical stimulation eye movements