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Polarization vision in crayfish motion detectors

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Abstract

Motion detector interneurons were examined to determine their responsiveness to the motion of polarized light images (i.e. images segmented by spatial variations in e-vector angle). Computer generated images were displayed as intensity contrasts or polarization contrasts on a modified LCD projection panel. The stimuli included the motion of a single stripe (45°–55°/s) and the global motion of a square wave grating (3.3°/s). Neurons were impaled in the medulla interna. Of the neurons which exhibited a directional response to the motion of intensity contrast stimuli, about 2/3 were also directional in the response to polarized light images. Transient (nondirectional) stimuli included looming and jittery motions. The responses to the transient motions of the polarized light images were roughly comparable to those elicited by intensity contrast. The results imply that behavioral responses to polarized light images (i.e. optokinetic and defense reflexes) may have a basis in the polarization sensitivity and synaptic organization of the medulla interna.

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Abbreviations

DS:

Directionally selective

DSI:

Directional selectivity index

F p, F n :

Firing rates in preferred and null directions, respectively

LCD:

Liquid crystal diode

ME:

Medulla externa

PS:

Polarization sensitivity

PSTH:

Poststimulus time histogram

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Acknowledgment

This research was supported by NSF Grant No. IOB–0613285. I thank the staff at Friday Harbor Labs for their assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA

    Raymon M. Glantz

  2. Friday Harbor Laboratories, 620 University Rd, Friday Harbor, WA, 98250, USA

    Raymon M. Glantz

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  1. Raymon M. Glantz
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Correspondence to Raymon M. Glantz.

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Glantz, R.M. Polarization vision in crayfish motion detectors. J Comp Physiol A 194, 565–575 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-008-0331-5

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