Functional properties of a realistic model of dLGN

In this work we propose a dynamic model of the push–pull circuitry of the lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) in order to study the spatio-temporal filtering being carried out. It is widely accepted that the thalamus preserves the retinal structure of the receptive field and thus works as a simple relay station. We believe, however, that this assumption may not be valid on the basis that the thalamus could perform a more relevant processing of information by means of its complex circuitry and functional response properties. To test this hypothesis, a computational model was developed with a retina-dLGN wiring configuration (convergence/divergence) derived from experimental evidences, and a realistic description of the dLGN's ON and OFF channels. Our findings suggest that responses of relay cells in the LGN are highly modulated by center-surround gain, response mode and adaptation.

keywords: Computational model, DLGN, Push–pull circuitry, Spatio-temporal filtering