Neuroanatomy of magnetoreception: the superior colliculus involved in magnetic orientation in a mammal
Language English Country United States Media print
Document type Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
PubMed
11598299
DOI
10.1126/science.1063351
PII: 294/5541/366
Knihovny.cz E-resources
- MeSH
- Behavior, Animal * MeSH
- Superior Colliculi cytology metabolism physiology MeSH
- Efferent Pathways MeSH
- Nesting Behavior MeSH
- Immunohistochemistry MeSH
- Magnetics * MeSH
- Brain Mapping MeSH
- Mole Rats anatomy & histology physiology MeSH
- Neurons metabolism physiology MeSH
- Orientation * MeSH
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos metabolism MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos MeSH
The neural substrate subserving magnetic orientation is largely unknown in vertebrates and unstudied in mammals. We combined a behavioral test for magnetic compass orientation in mole rats and immunocytochemical visualization of the transcription factor c-Fos as a marker of neuronal activity. We found that the superior colliculus of the Zambian mole rat (Cryptomys anselli) contains neurons that are responsive to magnetic stimuli. These neurons are directionally selective and organized within a discrete sublayer. Our results constitute evidence for the involvement of a specific mammalian brain structure in magnetoreception.
References provided by Crossref.org
Eyes are essential for magnetoreception in a mammal
Brain atlas of the African mole-rat Fukomys anselli
Towards the neural basis of magnetoreception: a neuroanatomical approach
