Multiple maps and activity-dependent representational plasticity in the anterior Wulst of the adult barn owl (Tyto alba)

In the present study we addressed the issue of somatosensory representation and plasticity in a nonmammalian species, the barn owl. Multiunit mapping techniques were used to examine the representation of the specialized receptor surface of the claw in the anterior Wulst. We found dual somatotopic mi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The European journal of neuroscience 2002-08, Vol.16 (4), p.743-750
Main Authors: Manger, Paul R., Elston, Guy N., Pettigrew, John D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
birds
Brain Mapping - methods
evolution
Foot - physiology
mammals
Mechanoreceptors - physiology
Neuronal Plasticity - physiology
somatosensation
Somatosensory Cortex - physiology
Strigiformes - physiology
telencephalic roof
Tyto alba
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Summary:In the present study we addressed the issue of somatosensory representation and plasticity in a nonmammalian species, the barn owl. Multiunit mapping techniques were used to examine the representation of the specialized receptor surface of the claw in the anterior Wulst. We found dual somatotopic mirror image representations of the skin surface of the contralateral claw. In addition, we examined both representations 2 weeks after denervation of the distal skin surface of a single digit. In both representations, the denervated digital representation became responsive to stimulation of the adjacent, mutually functional, digit. The mutability and multiple representations indicates that the Wulst provides the owl with sensory processing capabilities analogous to those in mammals.
ISSN:0953-816X
1460-9568
DOI:10.1046/j.1460-9568.2002.02119.x