Reorganization of human cortical maps caused by inherited photoreceptor abnormalities.
We describe a compelling demonstration of large-scale developmental reorganization in the human visual pathways. The developmental reorganization was observed in rod monochromats, a rare group of congenitally colorblind individuals who virtually lack cone photoreceptor function. Normal controls had a cortical region, spanning several square centimeters, that responded to signals initiated in the all-cone foveola but was inactive under rod viewing conditions; in rod monochromats this cortical region responded powerfully to rod-initiated signals. The measurements trace a causal pathway that begins with a genetic anomaly that directly influences sensory cells and ultimately results in a substantial central reorganization.
Baseler
Heidi A
HA
Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Brewer
Alyssa A
AA
Sharpe
Lindsay T
LT
Morland
Antony B
AB
Jägle
Herbert
H
Wandell
Brian A
BA
D000328:Adult; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003117:Color Vision Defects / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017949:Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000502:physiology*; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D014794:Visual Fields; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000502:physiology*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*