Dipole source localization by mottled sculpin. III. Orientation after site-specific, unilateral denervation of the lateral line system

To test the hypothesis that spatial excitation patterns along the lateral-line system underlie source localization, we videotaped the orientation behavior of blinded mottled sculpin in response to a small dipole source (50-Hz vibrating sphere) before and after unilateral denervation of the lateral line system on different body regions (head, trunk and head + trunk). Approach pathways were qualitatively similar to those followed by normal intact animals. Abnormal behavior (turning in circles) was not observed. However, the frequency with which fish placed their intact side facing the source increased by 12–89%, depending on the denervation site. The angular accuracy of orientation decreased by 20° to 60° (100% to 370% change) depending on source location and region of lateral line denervated. Deficits tended to be site-specific. For example, unilaterally denervating lateral-line organs on the head resulted in less accurate orienting responses when the source was located on the denervated side of the head, but not on the opposite side of the head or on either side of the trunk. Site-specific deficits and the absence of abnormal approach pathways argue that animals are relying on a point-by-point spatial representation of source location along the sensory surface rather than computations based on bilateral comparisons. Accepted: 28 May 1998