Influence of rhythmic light stimulation on orientation signal within visual cortex columns in the cat.

The present study used optical imaging to investigate the development of the optical signal within orientational columns in primary visual cortex of cats reared under conditions of rhythmic light stimulation. Results showed that, although inter-columnar spacing was unchanged, a 3-5-fold decrement in optical signal from orientation columns and a drastic decline in contrast sensitivity was observed in both areas 18 and 17. These data suggest the modification of cortical columnar functioning under artificially correlated synchronization of retinal input.