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Multiple maps and activity‐dependent representational plasticity in the anterior Wulst of the adult barn owl ( Tyto alba )
Author(s) -
Manger Paul R.,
Elston Guy N.,
Pettigrew John D.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
european journal of neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.346
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1460-9568
pISSN - 0953-816X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2002.02119.x
Subject(s) - tyto , barn owl , claw , neuroscience , somatosensory system , numerical digit , representation (politics) , anatomy , biology , mathematics , paleontology , ecology , arithmetic , politics , political science , law , predation
Abstract 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.