Development of Intermodule Interactions in Field 18 in Kittens Reared in Different Visual Environments: Orientation Modules

The primary visual cortex of mammals with well developed visual analyzers is characterized by functional modules whose postnatal development depends on a combination of internal genetic and external factors determined by the visual environment. Concordance in the operation of orientation columns in field 18 was studied with the aim of assessing the maturation of intermodular interactions in the visual cortex of kittens reared in conditions of rhythmic light stimulation at frequencies of 15 and 50 Hz (the RLS-15 and RLS-50 groups). Functional maps obtained by an optical mapping method using internal signals were used for correlation comparison of responses at different points of the cortex recorded in response to presentation of visual stimuli with different physical characteristics. The results were compared with those from control animals and kittens reared in complete darkness (the DARK group). Animals of the RLS-15 group showed significant decreases in the coefficient of correlation between the dynamics of the responses of neighboring orientation modules regardless of the distance between the modules concerned. Possible links between these impairments and the functions of interneuronal interactions in the visual cortex and the development of internal cortical rhythms are discussed.

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