Tectotectal connectivity in goldfish

Abstract

The vertebrate optic tectum is a functionally coupled bilateral structure which plays a major role in the generation of motor commands for orienting responses. However, the characteristics of the tectotectal connectivity are unknown in fish, and have been reported only to a limited extent in other vertebrates. The purpose of the present study was to determine the anatomical basis underlying the functional coupling between tecta in goldfish, and to identify both similarities and differences to those features reported in other vertebrate species. The present experiments used the bidirectional tracer biotinylated dextran amine to map the distribution of labeled cells and synaptic boutons in the contralateral tectum following injections into identified tectal sites. Fibers that interconnect both tecta coursed through the tectal commissure. The cells of origin of these fibers, the tectotectal cells, and their synaptic endings were located in the deep layers, mainly in the strata periventricular and griseum central, respectively. Corresponding sites throughout the two tecta were interconnected in a symmetrical point-to-point fashion. The tectal commissure was composed of at least two distinct bundles of axons, which differed in their dorsoventral location, fiber diameter, and projection targets. The dorsal axons were tectotectal axons, they were thinner in diameter and profusely branched, and gave off en passant and terminal boutons in the deep layers of the contralateral tectum. The ventral axons were thicker in diameter, and formed the contralateral tectofugal-descending tract. Such fibers had few axon collaterals and boutons in the contralateral tectum. Boutons adjacent to retrogradely labeled tectotectal cells were very scarce. The data are discussed in terms of the coupling between tecta generating the motor commands required for orienting movements.