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Reorganization of human cortical maps caused by inherited photoreceptor abnormalities

Nature Neuroscience volume 5, pages 364–370 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

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.

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Figure 1: Visual field eccentricity plots in three experimental conditions.
Figure 2: Responses in foveolar and parafoveal regions in three experimental conditions.
Figure 3: Visual field eccentricity plots in V1 for two normal trichromats (H.B., A.B.).
Figure 4: Visual field eccentricity plots in V1 for three rod monochromats (S.H., D.G., K.N.).
Figure 5: Theoretical analysis and simulation of the visual field eccentricity plot.
Figure 6: Visual field eccentricity measurement methods.
Figure 7: Visual field eccentricity plots are independent of correlation threshold.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by fellowships and grants from the National Institutes of Health (EY30164), National Eye Institute (NEI), North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Wellcome Trust and the McKnight Foundation. We are grateful to G. Haegerstrom-Portnoy and M. Schneck for referring and providing clinical data on D.G. and S.H. We also thank R. Dougherty, G. Haegerstrom-Portnoy, D. Heeger, S. Heinen, R. Hoffman, V. Koch, W. Newsome, W. Press, M. Schneck and A. Wade.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA

    Heidi A. Baseler, Antony B. Morland & Brian A. Wandell

  2. Neuroscience Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA

    Alyssa A. Brewer & Brian A. Wandell

  3. University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany

    Lindsay T. Sharpe & Herbert Jägle

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  1. Heidi A. Baseler
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Correspondence to Brian A. Wandell.

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Baseler, H., Brewer, A., Sharpe, L. et al. Reorganization of human cortical maps caused by inherited photoreceptor abnormalities. Nat Neurosci 5, 364–370 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/nn817

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