The organization of spatial frequency maps measured by cortical flavoprotein autofluorescence.

To determine the organization of spatial frequency (SF) preference within cat Area 17, we imaged responses to stimuli with different SFs using optical intrinsic signals (ISI) and flavoprotein autofluorescence (AFI). Previous studies have suggested that neurons cluster based on SF preference, but a recent report argued that SF maps measured with ISI were artifacts of the vascular bed. Because AFI derives from a non-hemodynamic signal, it is less contaminated by vasculature. The two independent imaging methods produced similar SF preference maps in the same animals, suggesting that the patchy organization of SF preference is a genuine feature of Area 17.