scholarly journals Orientation tuning depends on spatial frequency in mouse visual cortex

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inbal Ayzenshtat ◽  
Jesse Jackson ◽  
Rafael Yuste
Keyword(s):  
Visual Cortex ◽  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Visual System ◽  
Primary Visual Cortex ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Orientation Selectivity ◽  
Natural Scenes ◽  
Response Properties ◽  
Layer 2 ◽  
Mouse Visual Cortex

AbstractThe response properties of neurons to sensory stimuli have been used to identify their receptive fields and functionally map sensory systems. In primary visual cortex, most neurons are selective to a particular orientation and spatial frequency of the visual stimulus. Using two-photon calcium imaging of neuronal populations from the primary visual cortex of mice, we have characterized the response properties of neurons to various orientations and spatial frequencies. Surprisingly, we found that the orientation selectivity of neurons actually depends on the spatial frequency of the stimulus. This dependence can be easily explained if one assumed spatially asymmetric Gabor-type receptive fields. We propose that receptive fields of neurons in layer 2/3 of visual cortex are indeed spatially asymmetric, and that this asymmetry could be used effectively by the visual system to encode natural scenes.Significance StatementIn this manuscript we demonstrate that the orientation selectivity of neurons in primary visual cortex of mouse is highly dependent on the stimulus SF. This dependence is realized quantitatively in a decrease in the selectivity strength of cells in non-optimum SF, and more importantly, it is also evident qualitatively in a shift in the preferred orientation of cells in non-optimum SF. We show that a receptive-field model of a 2D asymmetric Gabor, rather than a symmetric one, can explain this surprising observation. Therefore, we propose that the receptive fields of neurons in layer 2/3 of mouse visual cortex are spatially asymmetric and this asymmetry could be used effectively by the visual system to encode natural scenes.Highlights–Orientation selectivity is dependent on spatial frequency.–Asymmetric Gabor model can explain this dependence.

scholarly journals Emergent orientation selectivity from random networks in mouse visual cortex

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.J. Pattadkal ◽  
G. Mato ◽  
C. van Vreeswijk ◽  
N. J. Priebe ◽  
D. Hansel
Keyword(s):  
Visual Cortex ◽  
Calcium Imaging ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Orientation Selectivity ◽  
Random Networks ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
V1 Neurons ◽  
Mouse Visual Cortex ◽  
Whole Cell Recordings ◽  
Random Connectivity

SummaryWe study the connectivity principles underlying the emergence of orientation selectivity in primary visual cortex (V1) of mammals lacking an orientation map. We present a computational model in which random connectivity gives rise to orientation selectivity that matches experimental observations. It predicts that mouse V1 neurons should exhibit intricate receptive fields in the two-dimensional frequency domain, causing shift in orientation preferences with spatial frequency. We find evidence for these features in mouse V1 using calcium imaging and intracellular whole cell recordings.

scholarly journals The influence of cortical depth on neuronal responses in mouse visual cortex

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip O’Herron ◽  
John Woodward ◽  
Prakash Kara
Keyword(s):  
Visual Cortex ◽  
Neuronal Response ◽  
Superficial Layer ◽  
Cortical Layer ◽  
Contrast Imaging ◽  
Response Properties ◽  
Layer 2 ◽  
Layer 4 ◽  
Thalamic Projections ◽  
Mouse Visual Cortex

AbstractWith the advent of two-photon imaging as a tool for systems neuroscience, the mouse has become a preeminent model system for studying sensory processing. One notable difference that has been found however, between mice and traditional model species like cats and primates is the responsiveness of the cortex. In the primary visual cortex of cats and primates, nearly all neurons respond to simple visual stimuli like drifting gratings. In contrast, imaging studies in mice consistently find that only around half of the neurons respond to such stimuli. Here we show that visual responsiveness is strongly dependent on the cortical depth of neurons. Moving from superficial layer 2 down to layer 4, the percentage of responsive neurons increases dramatically, ultimately reaching levels similar to what is seen in other species. Over this span of cortical depth, neuronal response amplitude also increases and orientation selectivity moderately decreases. These depth dependent response properties may be explained by the distribution of thalamic inputs in mouse V1. Unlike in cats and primates where thalamic projections to the granular layer are constrained to layer 4, in mice they spread up into layer 2/3, qualitatively matching the distribution of response properties we see. These results show that the analysis of neural response properties must take into consideration not only the overall cortical lamina boundaries but also the depth of recorded neurons within each cortical layer. Furthermore, the inability to drive the majority of neurons in superficial layer 2/3 of mouse V1 with grating stimuli indicates that there may be fundamental differences in the role of V1 between rodents and other mammals.

scholarly journals Development of natural scene representation in primary visual cortex requires early postnatal experience

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Kowalewski ◽  
Janne Kauttonen ◽  
Patricia L. Stan ◽  
Brian B. Jeon ◽  
Thomas Fuchs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Cortex ◽  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Primary Visual Cortex ◽  
Visual Experience ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Natural Scenes ◽  
Natural Scene ◽  
Scene Representation ◽  
Scene Features

SummaryThe development of the visual system is known to be shaped by early-life experience. To identify response properties that contribute to enhanced natural scene representation, we performed calcium imaging of excitatory neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) of awake mice raised in three different conditions (standard-reared, dark-reared, and delayed-visual experience) and compared neuronal responses to natural scene features relative to simpler grating stimuli that varied in orientation and spatial frequency. We assessed population selectivity in V1 using decoding methods and found that natural scene discriminability increased by 75% between the ages of 4 to 6 weeks. Both natural scene and grating discriminability were higher in standard-reared animals compared to those raised in the dark. This increase in discriminability was accompanied by a reduction in the number of neurons that responded to low-spatial frequency gratings. At the same time there was an increase in neuronal preference for natural scenes. Light exposure restricted to a 2-4 week window during adulthood did not induce improvements in natural scene nor in grating stimulus discriminability. Our results demonstrate that experience reduces the number of neurons required to effectively encode grating stimuli and that early visual experience enhances natural scene discriminability by directly increasing responsiveness to natural scene features.

scholarly journals Receptive Fields and Response Properties of Neurons in Layer 4 of Ferret Visual Cortex

2003 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 1003-1015 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Martin Usrey ◽  
Michael P. Sceniak ◽  
Barbara Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Visual Cortex ◽  
Receptive Field ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Field Structure ◽  
Orientation Selectivity ◽  
Stimulus Orientation ◽  
Orientation Tuning ◽  
Simple Cells ◽  
Response Properties ◽  
Layer 4

The ferret has become a model animal for studies exploring the development of the visual system. However, little is known about the receptive-field structure and response properties of neurons in the adult visual cortex of the ferret. We performed single-unit recordings from neurons in layer 4 of adult ferret primary visual cortex to determine the receptive-field structure and visual-response properties of individual neurons. In particular, we asked what is the spatiotemporal structure of receptive fields of layer 4 neurons and what is the orientation selectivity of layer 4 neurons? Receptive fields of layer 4 neurons were mapped using a white-noise stimulus; orientation selectivity was determined using drifting, sine-wave gratings. Our results show that most neurons (84%) within layer 4 are simple cells with elongated, spatially segregated,on and off subregions. These neurons are also selective for stimulus orientation; peaks in orientation-tuning curves have, on average, a half-width at half-maximum response of 21.5 ± 1.2° (mean ± SD). The remaining neurons in layer 4 (16%) lack orientation selectivity and have center/surround receptive fields. Although the organization of geniculate inputs to layer 4 differs substantially between ferret and cat, our results demonstrate that, like in the cat, most neurons in ferret layer 4 are orientation-selective simple cells.

Spatial Structure and Symmetry of Simple-Cell Receptive Fields in Macaque Primary Visual Cortex

2002 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 455-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dario L. Ringach
Keyword(s):  
Visual Cortex ◽  
Spatial Structure ◽  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Primary Visual Cortex ◽  
Image Coding ◽  
Population Analysis ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Simple Cell ◽  
Field Function ◽  
Symmetry Classes

I present measurements of the spatial structure of simple-cell receptive fields in macaque primary visual cortex (area V1). Similar to previous findings in cat area 17, the spatial profile of simple-cell receptive fields in the macaque is well described by two-dimensional Gabor functions. A population analysis reveals that the distribution of spatial profiles in primary visual cortex lies approximately on a one-parameter family of filter shapes. Surprisingly, the receptive fields cluster into even- and odd-symmetry classes with a tendency for neurons that are well tuned in orientation and spatial frequency to have odd-symmetric receptive fields. The filter shapes predicted by two recent theories of simple-cell receptive field function, independent component analysis and sparse coding, are compared with the data. Both theories predict receptive fields with a larger number of subfields than observed in the experimental data. In addition, these theories do not generate receptive fields that are broadly tuned in orientation and low-pass in spatial frequency, which are commonly seen in monkey V1. The implications of these results for our understanding of image coding and representation in primary visual cortex are discussed.

scholarly journals Flow stimuli reveal ecologically-appropriate responses in mouse visual cortex

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciano Dyballa ◽  
Mahmood S. Hoseini ◽  
Maria C. Dadarlat ◽  
Steven W. Zucker ◽  
Michael P. Stryker
Keyword(s):  
Visual Cortex ◽  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Visual System ◽  
Primary Visual Cortex ◽  
Frequency Analysis ◽  
Visual Processing ◽  
Temporal Frequency ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Spatial Frequency Analysis

AbstractAssessments of the mouse visual system based on spatial frequency analysis imply that its visual capacity is low, with few neurons responding to spatial frequencies greater than 0.5 cycles/degree. However, visually-mediated behaviors, such as prey capture, suggest that the mouse visual system is more precise. We introduce a new stimulus class—visual flow patterns—that is more like what the mouse would encounter in the natural world than are sine-wave gratings but is more tractable for analysis than are natural images. We used 128-site silicon microelectrodes to measure the simultaneous responses of single neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) of alert mice. While holding temporal-frequency content fixed, we explored a class of drifting patterns of black or white dots that have energy only at higher spatial frequencies. These flow stimuli evoke strong visually-mediated responses well beyond those predicted by spatial frequency analysis. Flow responses predominate in higher spatial-frequency ranges (0.15–1.6 cycles/degree); many are orientation- or direction-selective; and flow responses of many neurons depend strongly on sign of contrast. Many cells exhibit distributed responses across our stimulus ensemble. Together, these results challenge conventional linear approaches to visual processing and expand our understanding of the mouse’s visual capacity to behaviorally-relevant ranges.Significance StatementThe visual system of the mouse is now widely studied as a model for development and disease in humans. Studies of its primary visual cortex (V1) using conventional grating stimuli to construct linear-nonlinear receptive fields suggest that the mouse must have very poor vision. Using novel stimuli resembling the flow of images across the retina as the mouse moves through the grass, we find that most V1 neurons respond reliably to very much finer details of the visual scene than previously believed. Our findings suggest that the conventional notion of a unique receptive field does not capture the operation of the neural network in mouse V1.

Uniformity and diversity of response properties of neurons in the primary visual cortex: Selectivity for orientation, direction of motion, and stimulus size from center to far periphery

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
HSIN-HAO YU ◽  
MARCELLO G.P. ROSA
Keyword(s):  
Visual Cortex ◽  
Visual Field ◽  
Primary Visual Cortex ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Visual Fields ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Visual Space ◽  
Central Visual Field ◽  
Field Representation ◽  
Response Properties

AbstractAlthough the primary visual cortex (V1) is one of the most extensively studied areas of the primate brain, very little is known about how the far periphery of visual space is represented in this area. We characterized the physiological response properties of V1 neurons in anaesthetized marmoset monkeys, using high-contrast drifting gratings. Comparisons were made between cells with receptive fields located in three regions of V1, defined by eccentricity: central (3–5°), near peripheral (5–15°), and far peripheral (>50°). We found that orientation selectivity of individual cells was similar from the center to the far periphery. Nonetheless, the proportion of orientation-selective neurons was higher in central visual field representation than in the peripheral representations. In addition, there were similar proportions of cells representing all orientations, with the exception of the representation of the far periphery, where we detected a bias favoring near-horizontal orientations. The proportions of direction-selective cells were similar throughout V1. When the center/surround organization of the receptive fields was tested with gratings with varying diameters, we found that the population of neurons that was suppressed by large gratings was smaller in the far periphery, although the strength of suppression in these cells tended to be stronger. In addition, the ratio between the diameters of the excitatory centers and suppressive surrounds was similar across the entire visual field. These results suggest that, superimposed on the broad uniformity of V1, there are subtle physiological differences, which indicate that spatial information is processed differently in the central versus far peripheral visual fields.

scholarly journals Human primary visual cortex (V1) is selective for second-order spatial frequency

2011 ◽  
Vol 105 (5) ◽  
pp. 2121-2131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke E. Hallum ◽  
Michael S. Landy ◽  
David J. Heeger
Keyword(s):  
Visual Cortex ◽  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Primary Visual Cortex ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Selective Adaptation ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Filter Model ◽  
First Order ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Early Visual Cortex

A variety of cues can differentiate objects from their surrounds. These include “first-order” cues such as luminance modulations and “second-order” cues involving modulations of orientation and contrast. Human sensitivity to first-order modulations is well described by a computational model involving spatially localized filters that are selective for orientation and spatial frequency (SF). It is widely held that first-order modulations are represented by the firing rates of simple and complex cells (“first-order” neurons) in primary visual cortex (V1) that, likewise, have spatially localized receptive fields that are selective for orientation- and SF. Human sensitivity to second-order modulations is well described by a filter-rectify-filter (FRF) model, with first- and second-order filters selective for orientation and SF. However, little is known about how neuronal activity in visual cortex represents second-order modulations. We tested the FRF model by using an functional (f)MRI-adaptation protocol to characterize the selectivity of activity in visual cortex to second-order, orientation-defined gratings of two different SFs. fMRI responses throughout early visual cortex exhibited selective adaptation to these stimuli. The low-SF grating was a more effective adapter than the high-SF grating, incompatible with the FRF model. To explain the results, we extended the FRF model by incorporating normalization, yielding a filter-rectify-normalize-filter model, in which normalization enhances selectivity for second-order SF but only for low spatial frequencies. We conclude that neurons in human visual cortex are selective for second-order SF, that normalization (surround suppression) contributes to this selectivity, and that the selectivity in higher visual areas is simply fed forward from V1.

scholarly journals Untangling cortical maps in mouse primary visual cortex

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis O. Jimenez ◽  
Elaine Tring ◽  
Joshua T. Trachtenberg ◽  
Dario L. Ringach
Keyword(s):  
Visual Cortex ◽  
Primary Visual Cortex ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Visual Space ◽  
Cortical Maps ◽  
Local Populations ◽  
Mouse Visual Cortex ◽  
Salt And Pepper

Local populations of neurons in mouse visual cortex exhibit diverse tuning preferences. We show this seeming disorder can be untangled — the similarity of tuning between pairs of neurons is correlated better with the overlap between their receptive fields in visual space rather than with their distance in the cortex. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that salt-and-pepper maps arise from the lateral dispersion of clonally related neurons.

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