Nature Neuroscience6, 624 - 631 (2003)
Published online: 12 May 2003; | doi:10.1038/nn1057
Distinct spatial frequency sensitivities for processing faces and emotional expressions
Patrik Vuilleumier1, 2, Jorge L Armony2, 3, Jon Driver2
& Raymond J Dolan4
1
Laboratory for Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, Department of Clinical Neuroscience & Physiology, University of Geneva Medical Center, 1 Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
2
Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AR, UK.
3
Douglas Hospital Research Centre, McGill University, 6875, Blvd. LaSalle, Verdun, Québec H4H 1R3, Canada.
4
Wellcome Department of Imaging Neuroscience, University College London, 12 Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
High and low spatial frequency information in visual images is processed by distinct neural channels. Using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in humans, we show dissociable roles of such visual channels for processing faces and emotional fearful expressions. Neural responses in fusiform cortex, and effects of repeating the same face identity upon fusiform activity, were greater with intact or high-spatial-frequency face stimuli than with low-frequency faces, regardless of emotional expression. In contrast, amygdala responses to fearful expressions were greater for intact or low-frequency faces than for high-frequency faces. An activation of pulvinar and superior colliculus by fearful expressions occurred specifically with low-frequency faces, suggesting that these subcortical pathways may provide coarse fear-related inputs to the amygdala.
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