Deep brain photoreceptors control light-seeking behavior in zebrafish larvae.

ABSTRACT: Most vertebrates process visual information using elaborately structured photosensory tissues, including the eyes and pineal. However, there is strong evidence that other tissues can detect and respond to photic stimuli. Many reports suggest that photosensitive elements exist within the brain itself and influence physiology and behavior; however, a long-standing puzzle has been the identity of the neurons and photoreceptor molecules involved. We tested whether light cues influence behavior in zebrafish larvae through deep brain photosensors. We found that larvae lacking eyes and pineal perform a simple light-seeking behavior triggered by loss of illumination ("dark photokinesis"). Neuroanatomical considerations prompted us to test orthopedia (otpa)-deficient fish, which show a profound red

SUBMITTER: Fernandes AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3494761 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature