A computer program for automatic plotting of isopotential contours in CNS

Abstract

A computer program was developed in a Basic (Applesoft) version for generating up to five isopotential curves from field potentials recorded in nervous structures. Voltages are fed according to a cartesian coordinate system, and an area is delineated each four points in which a certain number of intermediate voltage points are calculated, according to the required resolution. The calculated values are compared to those prefixed for each curve and, if similar, their coordinates are stored in corresponding bidimensional matrixes. A special subroutine was designed for constructing an isometric tridimensional perspective of the isopotential curve ensemble. The reliability of this program was tested in the localization of sensory representation areas on the neocortex of the South American armadillo ( Chaetophractus vellerosus) studied by evoked potential mapping following visual, auditory and somatosensory stimuli. The isopotential curves traced permitted a quantitative evaluation of the cortical activated areas, and from their topographical distribution, relative unresponsive zones could be inferred where only inconspicuous responses were obtained. It is concluded that the present program provides a reliable and fast method for studying the evoked potential's spatial distribution over the entire neocortex. In addition, it can be extended to the study of curves or contours which connect equivalent values pertaining to biophysical magnitudes other than voltage data.