Central Processing of Lateral Line Information

A New Perspective on Predictive Motor Signaling

Adaptive behavior relies on complex neural processing in multiple interacting networks of both motor and sensory systems. One such interaction employs intrinsic neuronal signals, so-called 'corollary discharge' or 'efference copy', that may be used to predict the sensory consequences of a specific behavioral action, thereby enabling self-generated (reafferent) sensory information and extrinsic (exafferent) sensory inflow to be dissociated. Here, by using well-established examples, we seek to identify the distinguishing features of corollary discharge and efference copy within the framework of predictive motor-to-sensory system coordination. We then extend the more general concept of predictive signaling by showing how neural replicas of a particular motor command not only inform sensory pathways in order to gate reafferent stimulation, but can also be used to directly coordinate distinct and otherwise independent behaviors to the original motor task. Moreover, this motor-to-motor pairing may additionally extend to a gating of sensory input to either or both of the coupled systems. The employment of predictive internal signaling in such motor systems coupling and remote sensory input control thus adds to our understanding of how an organism's central nervous system is able to coordinate the activity of multiple and generally disparate motor and sensory circuits in the production of effective behavior.

Mechanosensory system of the lateral line in the subantarctic Patagonian blenny Eleginops maclovinus

This study describes the cephalic and trunk lateral line systems in Patagonian blenny Eleginops maclovinus juveniles, providing morphological details for pores, canals and neuromasts. Eleginops maclovinus juveniles possess a complete laterodorsal lateral line that extends from the upper apex of the gill opening along the trunk as far as the caudal fin. The lateral line was ramified through pores and canals. The following pores were recorded: four supraorbital pores, with two along the eye border and two on the snout; seven infraorbital pores, with three on the lacrimal bone and four being infraorbital; five postorbital pores, with three along the preopercular border (upper preoperculum branch) and two on the bone curvature (inferior preoperculum branch); and four mandibular pores aligned along the jaw. Furthermore, five narrow-simple and interconnected canals were found (i.e. preopercular, mandibular, supraorbital and infraorbital canals). Histologically, the dorsal lateral line presented thin neuromasts (350 μm) with short hair cells. By contrast, the cranial region presented long, thick neuromasts. Infraorbital and mandibular neuromasts had a major axis length of 260 μm and respective average diameters of 200 and 185 μm. Sensory system variations would be due to a greater concentration of neuromasts in the cranial region, allowing for a greater perception of changes in water pressure. Scarce morphological information is available for the lateral sensory system in Eleginopsidae, particularly compared to Channichthyidae, Bovichthydae, Artedidraconidae and Bathydraconidae. Therefore, the presented results form a fundamental foundation of knowledge for the lateral-line system in juvenile E. maclovinus and provide a basis for future related research in this taxon as well as within the Notothenioidei suborder.