Macaque accessory optic system: II. Connections with the pretectum

Journal Article · Sat Dec 08 00:00:00 EST 1990 · Journal of Comparative Neurology; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.903020216· OSTI ID:5941337

Baleydier, C; Magnin, M; Cooper, H M ^[1]

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1. Vision et Motricite, Bron (France)

Connections of the accessory optic system (AOS) with the pretectum are described in the macaque monkey. Injections of tritiated amino acids in the pretectum demonstrate a major contralateral projection to the dorsal (DTN), lateral (LTN), and medial (MTN) terminal nuclei of the AOS and a sparser projection to the ipsilateral LTN. Injections of retrograde tracers, Fast Blue (FB), or wheat germ agglutinin horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) plus nonconjugated horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the LTN show that the pretectal-LTN projection originates from two nuclei. The main source of pretectal efferents to the LTN is from the pretectal olivary nucleus (OPN) and is entirely contralateral. This projection, which appears unique to primates, originates from the large multipolar cells of the OPN. In addition to this projection, the nucleus of the optic tract (NOT) projects to the ipsilateral LTN, as in nonprimates. Injection of WGA-HRP in the pretectum shows a reciprocal predominantely ipsilateral projection from the LTN to the pretectum. Retinas were observed after injection of FB in the LTN. The retinal ganglion cells projecting to the AOS are mainly distributed near the fovea and in the nasal region of the contralateral eye, suggesting a nasotemporal pattern of decussation. The demonstration of a direct connection between LTN and OPN forces to a reconsideration of the functional role of the AOS. Previous descriptions of luminance responsive cells in the LTN support a possible participation of this nucleus in the control of the pupillary light reflex.

• OSTI ID: 5941337
• Journal Information: Journal of Comparative Neurology; (USA), Vol. 302:2; ISSN 0021-9967
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
EYES
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AMINO ACIDS
MONKEYS
PEROXIDASES
TRACER TECHNIQUES
TRITIUM COMPOUNDS
VISION
ANIMALS
BODY
BODY AREAS
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
ENZYMES
FACE
HEAD
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SENSE ORGANS
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551001* - Physiological Systems- Tracer Techniques