Elsevier

Brain Research

Volume 530, Issue 1, 15 October 1990, Pages 105-107
Brain Research

Sensory neglect in a frog: evidence for early evolution of attentional processes in vertebrates

https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(90)90663-VGet rights and content

Abstract

Mammalian-like ‘sensory neglect’ phenomena were elicited inXenopus laevis by unilateral telecephalic lesion: after damage of the caudal striatum response rate to contralateral water waves was significantly lower than to ipsilateral ones. Response accuracy, however, was not affected. Within 6–8 weeks, animals recovered from neglect of unilateral stimuli; but simultaneous bilateral stimulation revealed an enduring neglect of contralateral stimuli. Latencies during acute neglect were significantly higher than after recovery. These results suggest that the neural mechanisms of selective attention might have evolved earlier than thought so far.

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