CUP Undergraduate Research
Date of Award
1-1-2018
Document Type
Thesis
College
College of Arts & Sciences
Department
Math & Science
Degree Name
Biology, BA
First Advisor
Wayne Tschetter, Ph.D.
Abstract
We investigated a means to measure visual acuity in awake mice using visually evoked potentials (VEPs). Using counter-phasing sinusoidal gratings as stimuli, we compared the effectiveness of vertical and horizontal orientations in generating VEPs. Using stereotaxic implanted electrodes in the animal’s primary visual cortex, the evoked VEPs were recorded and analyzed. At the lowest spatial frequency, vertical stimuli evoked the largest VEP amplitude. However, at higher spatial frequencies, a reversal occurs where horizontal gratings evoked larger VEPs. These data suggest vertical and horizontal stimuli have different effects on generating VEPs although further investigation is required to determine which stimulus is most suitable for measuring visual acuity in mice. Uncovering this relationship will also help us to understand the link between physiological activity of the brain and behavioral function.