Roland A. Giolli
Professor, Anatomy & Neurobiology
School of Medicine
School of Medicine
PH.D., University of California, Berkeley, 1960
B.A., University of California, Davis, 1956, A.B. Zoology
B.A., University of California, Davis, 1956, A.B. Zoology
University of California, Irvine
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology
College of Medicine, University of California
Mail Code: 1275
Irvine, CA 92697
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology
College of Medicine, University of California
Mail Code: 1275
Irvine, CA 92697
Research Interests
Subcortical Visual System and Oculomotor Control Systems 1. Afferents and efferents of accessory optic nuclei 2. Involvement of accessory optic and pretectal nuclei in control of eye movements 3. Inhibitory interaction between accessory optic system
Research Abstract
The longtime goal in my research laboratory has been the study of visual and oculomotor pathways of the brains across mammalian species, including marsupials, rodents, lagomorphs and primates. These studies have been supplemented by investigations of neurotransmitters deemed essential for visual oculomotor control such as occurs in the pretectal nucleus of the optic tract and the four terminal nuclei of the accessory optic system. Particular attention has been paid to the inhibitory transmitter GABA because of the preponderance of GABAergic neurons in the pretectal nucleus of the optic tract and the nuclei of the accessory optic system, important relay centers for oculomotor-related information processing of directionally selective visual information. An additional focus has been upon the extremely large densities of mu subtype of opioid receptors present in these oculomotor-related nuclei (in comparison with the paucity of the actual opiates that act at the mu receptors). Special interest concerns the effects of visual activity upon gene expression in neurons of the pretectal nucleus of the optic tract and the terminal nuclei of the accessory optic system in the rat and monkey. Studies are to begin that are designed to show mechanisms of interactions between the components of these brainstem nuclei using up- and down-regulation of gene expression for GAD (the synthesizing enzyme for the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA) and the GABAA receptor (an important site where GABA acts). The laboratory personnel are also experienced in the use of primates in neurological research, and as a future goal of the research, studies are planned to investigate activity dependent gene expression in the pretectal nuclei and the lateral terminal accessory optic neurons in macaque monkeys. Present investigations have also involved the anatomic organization of corticofugal nerve pathways to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, ventral thalamic nuclei, pretectal nuclei, superior colliculus, and basal pontine nuclear complex from distinct areas of monkey visual areas situated in the occipital, parietal and temporal lobes of the cerebral cortex.
Recent research emphasis has been on the population of neurons in the accessory optic nuclei that contain the neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). It has been found that most of these neurons co-localize GABA and a significant number also co-localize the calcium binding proteins, calretinin and calbindin. Research on these CGRP-containing neurons in the visual/oculomotor system is in progress.
Recent research emphasis has been on the population of neurons in the accessory optic nuclei that contain the neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). It has been found that most of these neurons co-localize GABA and a significant number also co-localize the calcium binding proteins, calretinin and calbindin. Research on these CGRP-containing neurons in the visual/oculomotor system is in progress.
Publications
Reng-Rong, D., Y. Zhang, W.W. Tourtellotte, S. van der Noort, R.A. Giolli and Y. Qin. B cell expansion demyelination and axon degeneration in MS lesions. J. Immunology (Submitted) 2004.
Giolli, R.A., R.H.I. Blanks & F. Lui. The accessory optic system: basic organization and an update on connectivity, neurochemistry, and function. In: Progress in Oculomotor Research, Neuroanatomy of the Oculomotor System. J.A. Buettner-Ennever (ed.), Elsevier Science Press, Amsterdam, Chap. 13 (in press) 2004.
So, C.S., R.A. Giolli, T. Chang, H.J. Bae, Y. Chang, W.R. Boone and RT.H.I. Blanks. Physiological changes following thermomechanical massage in a population of hypertensive patients and/or type II diabetics. J. Vertebral Subluxation Res., pp. 1-9, May 2004.
So, C.S., R.A. Giolli, M. Jauregui, T.L. Schuster, H. Yang and R.H.I. Blanks. Thermomechanical massage devices used in China and South Korea: a preliminary report of health outcomes and side effects. J. Vertebral Subluxation Res., pp. 1-9, Sept. 2003.
Clarke, R.J., R.H.I. Blanks & R.A. Giolli Midbrain connections of the olivary pretectal nucleus in the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus): implications for the pupil light reflex pathway. Anatomy and Embryology, 207:1-20, 2003.
Giolli, R.A., K.M. Gregory, D.A. Suzuki, R.H.I. Blanks, F. Lui and K.F. Betelak Cortical and subcortical afferents to the basal pontine complex including the nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis (NRTP) in the macaque monkey. Visual Neuroscience, 18: 725-740, 2001.
Blanks, R.H.I., R.A. Giolli & J.J.L. van der Want. Neuronal circuitry and neurotransmitters in the pretectal and accessory optic systems. In: Progress in Brain Research; Neurochemistry of the Vestibular System, A.J. Beitz & J.H. Anderson (eds.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, Chapter 14, pp. 305-328, 2000.
Zhou, J., C.E. Ribak, X-X. Yan & R.A. Giolli. Synaptic and neurochemical features of calcitonin gene-related peptide containing neurons in the rat accessory optic nuclei. Brain Research, 838:119-130, 1999.
Ribak, C.E., X-X. Yan & R.A. Giolli Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactivity selectively labels accessory optic nuclei and pathways of the rat visual system. Exp. Brain Res. 117:171-177, 1997.
Lui, F., K.M. Gregory, R.H.I. Blanks & R.A. Giolli. Projections from visual areas of the cerebral cortex to pretectal nuclear complex, terminal accessory optic nuclei, and superior colliculus in macaque monkey. J. Comp. Neurol. 363:439-460, 1995.
Blanks, R.H.I., F. Lui, R.J. Clarke, R.A. Giolli, S.V. Pham & Y. Torigoe. Projections of the lateral terminal accessory optic nucleus of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). J. Comp. Neurol. 354:511-532, 1995.
Lui, F., R.A. Giolli, R.H.I. Blanks & E.M. Tom. Patterns of striate cortical projection to the pretectal complex in the guinea pig. J. Comp. Neurol. 344:598-609, 1994.
Giolli, R.A., Y. Torigoe, R.J. Clarke, R.H.I. Blanks & J.H. Fallon. GABAergic and nonGABAergic projections of accessory optic nuclei, including the associated visual tegmental relay zone, to the nucleus of the optic tract and dorsal terminal accessory optic nucleus in rat. J. Comp. Neurol. 319:349-359, 1992.
Giolli, R.A., R.H.I. Blanks, Y. Torigoe, R.J. Clarke, J.H. Fallon & F.M. Leslie. Opioid receptors in the accessory optic system of the rat: Effects of monocular enucleation. Visual Neurosci. 5:497-506, 1990.
Clarke, R.J., R.A. Giolli, R.H.I. Blanks, Y. Torigoe & J.H. Fallon. Neurons of the medial terminal accessory optic nucleus of the rat are poorly collateralized. Vis. Neurosci. 2:269-273, l989.
Fredericks, C.A., R.A. Giolli, R.H.I. Blanks & A.A. Sadun. The human accessory optic system. Brain Res. 454:116-122, l988.
Giolli, R.A., Y. Torigoe & R.H.I. Blanks. Nonretinal afferents to the medial terminal accessory optic nucleus in rabbit and rat. A retrograde and anterograde transport study. J. Comp. Neurol. 269:73-86, l988.
Giolli, R.A., R.H.I. Blanks, Y. Torigoe & H.M. McDonald. The projections of the dorsal and lateral terminal accessory optic nuclei and of the interstitial nucleus of the superior fasciculus (posterior fibers) in the rabbit and rat. J. Comp. Neurol. 277: 608-620, l988.
Simpson, J.I., R.A. Giolli & R.H.I. Blanks. The pretectal complex and accessory optic system. In: Progress in Oculomotor Research, Neuroanatomy of the Oculomotor System. J.A. Buttner-Ennever (ed.), vol. 2, pp. 333-362, l988.
Pak, M.W., R.A. Giolli, L.H. Pinto, N.J. Mangini, K.M. Gregory & J.W. Vanable, Jr. Retino-pretectal and accessory optic projections of normal mice and the OKN-defective mutant mice: beige, beige-J and pearl. J. Comp. Neurol. 258: 435-446, l987.
Weber, J.T. & R.A. Giolli. The medial terminal nucleus of the monkey: evidence for a 'complete' accessory optic system. Brain Res. 365: 164-168, 1986.
Giolli, R.A., G.M. Peterson, C.E. Ribak, H.M. McDonald, R.H.I. Blanks and J.H. Fallon. GABAergic neurons comprise a major cell type in rodent visual relay nuclei: an immunocytochemical study of the pretectal and accessory optic nuclei. Exp. Brain Res. 61: 501-508, 1985.
Giolli, R.A., L.C. Schmued, and J.H. Fallon. A retino-mesotelencephalic pathway in the rat. Neurosci. Lett. 53: 1-7, 1985.
Giolli, R.A., R.H.I. Blanks, Y. Torigoe and D.D. Williams. Projections of medial terminal accessory optic nucleus, ventral tegmental nuclei, and substantia nigra of rabbit and rat as studied by retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase. J. Comp. Neurol. 232: 99-116, 1985.
Gregory, K.M. and R.A. Giolli. The dendritic architecture of the medial terminal nucleus of the accessory optic system in the rat, rabbit and cat. Exp. Brain Res. 60: 501-508, 1985.
Giolli, R.A., R.H.I. Blanks and Y. Torigoe. Pretectal and brain stem projections of the medial terminal nucleus of the accessory optic system of the rabbit and rat as studied by anterograde and retrograde neuronal tracing methods. J. Comp. Neurol. 227: 228-251, 1984.
Blanks, R.H.I., R.A. Giolli and S.V. Pham. Projections of the medial terminal nucleus of the accessory optic system upon pretectal nuclei in pigmented rat. Exp. Brain Res. 48: 228-237, 1982.
Giolli, R.A., L.C. Towns, A.N. Karamanlidis, T.T. Takahashi and D.D. Williams. An autoradiographic study of the projections of visual cortical area I to the thalamus, pretectum and superior colliculus of the rabbit. J. Comp. Neurol. 180: 743-752, 1978.
Giolli, R.A., L.C. Towns and D.A. Haste. The mode of innervation of portions of the anterior and posterior pretectal nuclei of the rabbit by axons arising from the visual cortex. J. Comp. Neurol. 155: 177-194, 1974.
Giolli, R.A. and J.E. Pope. The mode of innervation of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and the pulvinar of the rabbit by axons arising from the visual cortex. J. Comp. Neurol. 147: 129-144, 1973.
Giolli, R.A. and M.D. Guthrie. Organization of subcortical projections of visual areas I and II in the rabbit. An experimental degeneration study. J. Comp. Neurol. 142: 351-376, 1971.
Giolli, R.A. and J. Tigges. Primary optic pathways and centers of primates. In: Advances in Primatology. C.R. Noback and W. Montagna (eds.), Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York. Vol. I. Chapter 2, 29-54, pp., 1970.
Giolli, R.A. and M.D. Guthrie. The primary optic projections in the rabbit. An experimental degeneration study. J. Comp. Neurol. 136: 99-126, 1969.
Giolli, R.A., J.R. Braithwaite and T.T. Streeter. Golgi study of the nucleus of the transpeduncular tract in the rabbit. J. Comp. Neurol. 133: 309-328, 1968.
Giolli, R.A. An experimental study of the accessory optic system in the Cynomolgus monkey. J. Comp. Neurol. 121: 89-108, 1963.
Professional Societies
Society for Neurosciences
American Association of Anatomists
The Cajal Club
Graduate Programs
Neurobiology
Link to this profile
https://faculty.uci.edu/profile/?facultyId=2309
https://faculty.uci.edu/profile/?facultyId=2309
Last updated
10/18/2004
10/18/2004