2-Deoxyglucose Uptake following Visual Stimulation in Squamate Reptiles

Abstract

Unilateral visual stimulation following 2-deoxyglucose injection was used to delineate functional visual pathways in red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) and whiptail lizards (Cnemidophorus inornatus and C. uniparens). Stimulation enhanced both overall uptake and particularly uptake in visual pathways contralateral to the side of stimulation. Bilaterally symmetrical uptake was observed in retinae, septum, nucleus sphericus, and brainstem nuclei. Overall uptake and lateralization of uptake were consistently greater in garter snakes than in whiptail lizards.