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Binocular depth perception in the cat following early corpus callosum section

Experimental Brain Research volume 60, pages 19–26 (1985)Cite this article

Summary

The role of the corpus callosum in the mediation of binocular depth perception was examined by measuring monocular and binocular depth discrimination thresholds in cats which had undergone section of the corpus callosum shortly after birth. Three kittens had the posterior callosum sectioned at the age of eleven days. A fourth kitten underwent a sham operation and one additional animal served intitially as an unoperated control. Monocular and binocular depth thresholds were measured for all kittens when they were between three and five months old. Although there was some individual variability, none of the callosum-sectioned kittens showed any deficits of binocular depth perception relative to normal animals. The initially unoperated kitten had its callosum sectioned at five months and was retested following surgery. Its performance did not change from preoperated levels. Finally, the three neonatal callosum-sectioned kittens underwent section of the optic chiasm when they were six months old, causing a complete breakdown in binocular depth discrimination. The results are interpreted to indicate that although the corpus callosum may be a sufficient pathway for the maintenance of stereopsis in cat, it is not necessary.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, N6A 5C2, London, Ontario, Canada

    B. Timney & M. L. Vandewater

  2. Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Texas, Health Sciences Center at Houston, 77025, Houston, TX, USA

    A. J. Elberger

Authors
  1. B. Timney
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  2. A. J. Elberger
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  3. M. L. Vandewater
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Timney, B., Elberger, A.J. & Vandewater, M.L. Binocular depth perception in the cat following early corpus callosum section. Exp Brain Res 60, 19–26 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00237014

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00237014

Key words

  • Corpus callosum
  • Binocular depth perception
  • Stereoacuity
  • Cat