[Effects of GABA and bicuculline on the properties of visual superior colliculus neurons in golden hamsters]

Abstract

Visual response properties of single neurons in the superior colliculus of golden hamsters could be altered by iontophoretically applied gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its antagonist, bicuculline (Bicu). GABA decreased the responses of the superficial cells to stationary flashing stimuli, while Bicu increased the responses and suppressed the inhibition exerted by the surround. The number of spikes evoked by a moving bar/spot decreased after applying GABA in 76.6% of the cells (n = 60) and increased in 90.0% (n = 60) of the cells after Bicu. Similar effects on the spontaneous activities were observed. In addition, 65.0% of the 60 cells recorded have enlarged movement receptive fields after application of Bicu. GABA and Bicu have some effects on the orientation selectivity of the collicular cells too.