A Site of Auditory Experience-Dependent Plasticity in the Neural Representation of Auditory Space in the Barn Owl's Inferior Colliculus

摘要: The barn owl9s optic tectum contains a map of auditory space that is based, in part, on interaural time difference (ITD). Previous studies have shown this ITD shaped by experience. In study, we investigated whether the plasticity responsible for experience-induced changes tuning occurs within itself or at an earlier stage pathway. We altered experience young owls implanting acoustic filtering device one ear caused frequency-dependent sound timing and level. analyzed representation normal device-reared two nuclei ascending pathway: external nucleus inferior colliculus (ICX), primary source input to tectum, lateral shell central (ICCls), ICX. ICX, rearing adaptive, tuning, as well frequency tuning. These were similar occurred same owls. contrast, ICCls, was unaffected rearing. data indicate level ICX largely adaptive adjustments are observed tecta raised with abnormal