Intensity difference thresholds after lesions of the visual Wulst in pigeons.

Abstract

Visual intensity difference thresholds were studied before and after telencephalic lesions in pigeons [Columba livia]. Subjects with visual Wulst lesions showed initial postoperative threshold elevations that represented losses of 19%-49% of their preoperative sensory capacity. This initial loss was correlated with the extent of damage to 3 components of the visual Wulst: nucleus intercalatus hyperstriati accessorii, hyperstriatum intercalatus suprema and hyperstriatum accessorium. The damage to hyperstriatum dorsale, another component of the visual Wulst, made no contribution to the initial deficit. The sensory capacity of all but one pigeon improved as a result of postoperative retraining.