A model of the neural mechanisms underlying multisensory integration in the superior colliculus.
Much of the information about multisensory integration is derived from studies of the cat superior colliculus (SC), a midbrain structure involved in orientation behaviors. This integration is apparent in the enhanced responses of SC neurons to cross-modal stimuli, responses that exceed those to any of the modality-specific component stimuli. The simplest model of multisensory integration is one in which the SC neuron simply sums its various sensory inputs. However, a number of empirical findings reveal the inadequacy of such a model; for example, the finding that deactivation of cortico-collicular inputs eliminates the enhanced response to a cross-modal stimulus without eliminating responses to the modality-specific component stimuli. These and other empirical findings inform a computational model that accounts for all of the most fundamental aspects of SC multisensory integration. The model is presented in two forms: an algebraic form that conveys the essential insights, and a compartmental form that represents the neuronal computations in a more biologically realistic way.
Rowland
Benjamin A
BA
Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. browland@wfubmc.edu
Stanford
Terrence R
TR
Stein
Barry E
BE
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000818:Animals; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002415:Cats; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D013477:Superior Colliculi / Q000502:physiology*