Identifying the Neural Mechanisms of Approach Behavior: Studying the Role of Superior Colliculus During Prey-capture Behavior in the Mouse

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dc.contributor.authorZhen, Dolly W.
dc.date.accessioned2017-10-12T14:39:20Z
dc.date.available2017-10-12T14:39:20Z
dc.date.issued2017
dc.description43 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Science, Spring 2017
dc.description.abstractIn mammalian brains, there are two areas that process information important for image formation and goal directed visual behavior: primary visual cortex (V1), and the superior colliculus (SC). However, it is unclear how these regions support visually driven orienting and approach behaviors towards naturally rewarding stimuli. In this study, we seek to identify how the SC directs visual behavior using a mouse model of prey-capture behavior. Here, we investigate whether natural prey-capture behavior in mice is affected when regions of SC are silenced through injections of the GABAA-R agonist, muscimol, and through the use of pharmacogenetics known as DREADDs. We found that inhibition of the SC decreases the accuracy of approaches to prey and increases time to capture. Our studies so far indicate that inhibition of SC impairs ethological prey-capture behavior in mice. An understanding of the specific circuitry underlying visually guided behaviors directed towards rewarding stimuli will give insight into neurological disorders such as PTSD and addiction, where processes of orienting and approach are affected.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1794/22912
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisherUniversity of Oregon
dc.rightsCreative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0-US
dc.subjectNeural circuitsen_US
dc.subjectSuperior colliculusen_US
dc.subjectPrey captureen_US
dc.subjectMouseen_US
dc.subjectVisual processingen_US
dc.subjectBehavioren_US
dc.titleIdentifying the Neural Mechanisms of Approach Behavior: Studying the Role of Superior Colliculus During Prey-capture Behavior in the Mouse
dc.typeThesis/Dissertation

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