Spatial-frequency-tuned channels in early infancy: VEP evidence

Abstract

Spatial frequency (SF) adaptation of 3-, 6-, and 12-week-old infants produced changes in steady-state VEP amplitude to SF sweeps that closely resemble post-adaptation changes reported previously in adults. Following SF adaptation, VEP amplitude was attenuated to SFs near the adapting SF, and enhanced at SFs removed from the adapting SF in all age groups. This is interpreted as evidence for bandpass SF-tuned channels with coinhibitory interactions. The data presented here, in combination with VEP estimates of infant acuity, imply the existence of multiple bandpass SF-tuned channels with inhibitory relationships by 3 weeks of age. We hypothesize that neonatal spatial frequency filters are qualitatively adultlike.