Saccade-related burst neurons in cat superior colliculus.

Single-unit activity was studied in the intermediate and deep layers of the superior colliculus in 4 trained cats. One class of neuron was isolated which resembles the saccade-related burst neurons (SRBNs) previously reported in monkey. These neurons produce a discrete burst of impulses preceding the onset of saccades of particular amplitudes and direction. Many of these neurons also paused during saccades in the opposite direction. Similar discharge patterns were seen when saccades were made to remember target locations as well as when a visual target was present. These findings are consistent with the idea that some neurons in the superior colliculus neurons play a role in the coding of voluntary or memory-contingent saccades as well as in the initiation of visually elicited saccades.