scholarly journals Projection-specific Activity of Layer 2/3 Neurons Imaged in Mouse Primary Somatosensory Barrel Cortex During a Whisker Detection Task

Function ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angeliki Vavladeli ◽  
Tanya Daigle ◽  
Hongkui Zeng ◽  
Sylvain Crochet ◽  
Carl C H Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Motor Cortex ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Somatosensory Cortex ◽  
Barrel Cortex ◽  
Specific Activity ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Sensory Stimuli ◽  
Sensorimotor Transformations ◽  
Longitudinal Imaging

Abstract The brain processes sensory information in a context- and learning-dependent manner for adaptive behavior. Through reward-based learning, relevant sensory stimuli can become linked to execution of specific actions associated with positive outcomes. The neuronal circuits involved in such goal-directed sensory-to-motor transformations remain to be precisely determined. Studying simple learned sensorimotor transformations in head-restrained mice offers the opportunity for detailed measurements of cellular activity during task performance. Here, we trained mice to lick a reward spout in response to a whisker deflection and an auditory tone. Through two-photon calcium imaging of retrogradely labeled neurons, we found that neurons located in primary whisker somatosensory barrel cortex projecting to secondary whisker somatosensory cortex had larger calcium signals than neighboring neurons projecting to primary whisker motor cortex in response to whisker deflection and auditory stimulation, as well as before spontaneous licking. Longitudinal imaging of the same neurons revealed that these projection-specific responses were relatively stable across 3 days. In addition, the activity of neurons projecting to secondary whisker somatosensory cortex was more highly correlated than for neurons projecting to primary whisker motor cortex. The large and correlated activity of neurons projecting to secondary whisker somatosensory cortex might enhance the pathway-specific signaling of important sensory information contributing to task execution. Our data support the hypothesis that communication between primary and secondary somatosensory cortex might be an early critical step in whisker sensory perception. More generally, our data suggest the importance of investigating projection-specific neuronal activity in distinct populations of intermingled excitatory neocortical neurons during task performance.

FosGFP expression does not capture a sensory learning-related engram in superficial layers of mouse barrel cortex

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (52) ◽  
pp. e2112212118
Author(s):  
Jiseok Lee ◽  
Joanna Urban-Ciecko ◽  
Eunsol Park ◽  
Mo Zhu ◽  
Stephanie E. Myal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Barrel Cortex ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Learning Task ◽  
Early Gene ◽  
Sensory Stimuli ◽  
Association Learning ◽  
Neural Ensembles ◽  
Dependent Learning

Immediate-early gene (IEG) expression has been used to identify small neural ensembles linked to a particular experience, based on the principle that a selective subset of activated neurons will encode specific memories or behavioral responses. The majority of these studies have focused on “engrams” in higher-order brain areas where more abstract or convergent sensory information is represented, such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, or amygdala. In primary sensory cortex, IEG expression can label neurons that are responsive to specific sensory stimuli, but experience-dependent shaping of neural ensembles marked by IEG expression has not been demonstrated. Here, we use a fosGFP transgenic mouse to longitudinally monitor in vivo expression of the activity-dependent gene c-fos in superficial layers (L2/3) of primary somatosensory cortex (S1) during a whisker-dependent learning task. We find that sensory association training does not detectably alter fosGFP expression in L2/3 neurons. Although training broadly enhances thalamocortical synaptic strength in pyramidal neurons, we find that synapses onto fosGFP+ neurons are not selectively increased by training; rather, synaptic strengthening is concentrated in fosGFP− neurons. Taken together, these data indicate that expression of the IEG reporter fosGFP does not facilitate identification of a learning-specific engram in L2/3 in barrel cortex during whisker-dependent sensory association learning.

Neuronal Circuits in Barrel Cortex for Whisker Sensory Perception

2021 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 353-415
Author(s):  
Jochen F. Staiger ◽  
Carl C. H. Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Barrel Cortex ◽  
Specific Activity ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Inhibitory Neurons ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Somatotopic Map ◽  
Cell Type Specific ◽  
The Impact

The array of whiskers on the snout provides rodents with tactile sensory information relating to the size, shape and texture of objects in their immediate environment. Rodents can use their whiskers to detect stimuli, distinguish textures, locate objects and navigate. Important aspects of whisker sensation are thought to result from neuronal computations in the whisker somatosensory cortex (wS1). Each whisker is individually represented in the somatotopic map of wS1 by an anatomical unit named a ‘barrel’ (hence also called barrel cortex). This allows precise investigation of sensory processing in the context of a well-defined map. Here, we first review the signaling pathways from the whiskers to wS1, and then discuss current understanding of the various types of excitatory and inhibitory neurons present within wS1. Different classes of cells can be defined according to anatomical, electrophysiological and molecular features. The synaptic connectivity of neurons within local wS1 microcircuits, as well as their long-range interactions and the impact of neuromodulators, are beginning to be understood. Recent technological progress has allowed cell-type-specific connectivity to be related to cell-type-specific activity during whisker-related behaviors. An important goal for future research is to obtain a causal and mechanistic understanding of how selected aspects of tactile sensory information are processed by specific types of neurons in the synaptically connected neuronal networks of wS1 and signaled to downstream brain areas, thus contributing to sensory-guided decision-making.

scholarly journals Feedforward motor information enhances somatosensory responses and sharpens angular tuning of rat S1 barrel cortex neurons

eLife ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Khateb ◽  
Jackie Schiller ◽  
Yitzhak Schiller
Keyword(s):  
Motor Cortex ◽  
Sensory Input ◽  
Barrel Cortex ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Cortical Layers ◽  
Input Signals ◽  
Sensory Motor ◽  
Motor Information ◽  
Somatosensory Responses ◽  
Motor Loop

The primary vibrissae motor cortex (vM1) is responsible for generating whisking movements. In parallel, vM1 also sends information directly to the sensory barrel cortex (vS1). In this study, we investigated the effects of vM1 activation on processing of vibrissae sensory information in vS1 of the rat. To dissociate the vibrissae sensory-motor loop, we optogenetically activated vM1 and independently passively stimulated principal vibrissae. Optogenetic activation of vM1 supra-linearly amplified the response of vS1 neurons to passive vibrissa stimulation in all cortical layers measured. Maximal amplification occurred when onset of vM1 optogenetic activation preceded vibrissa stimulation by 20 ms. In addition to amplification, vM1 activation also sharpened angular tuning of vS1 neurons in all cortical layers measured. Our findings indicated that in addition to output motor signals, vM1 also sends preparatory signals to vS1 that serve to amplify and sharpen the response of neurons in the barrel cortex to incoming sensory input signals.

scholarly journals Contribution of interneuron subtype-specific GABAergic signalling to emergent sensory processing in somatosensory whisker barrel cortex in mouse

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liad J. Baruchin ◽  
Michael M. Kohl ◽  
Simon J.B Butt
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Barrel Cortex ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Gaba Release ◽  
Gabaergic Interneuron ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Sensory Adaptation ◽  
Layer 4 ◽  
Evoked Activity ◽  
Sensory Evoked

AbstractMammalian neocortex is important for conscious processing of sensory information. Fundamental to this function is balanced glutamatergic and GABAergic signalling. Yet little is known about how this interaction arises in the developing forebrain despite increasing insight into early GABAergic interneuron (IN) circuits. To further study this, we assessed the contribution of specific INs to the development of sensory processing in the mouse whisker barrel cortex. Specifically we explored the role of INs in speed coding and sensory adaptation. In wild-type animals, both speed processing and adaptation were present as early as the layer 4 critical period of plasticity, and showed refinement over the period leading to active whisking onset. We then conditionally silenced action-potential-dependent GABA release in either somatostatin (SST) or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) INs. These genetic manipulations influenced both spontaneous and sensory-evoked activity in an age and layer-dependent manner. Silencing SST+ INs reduced early spontaneous activity and abolished facilitation in sensory adaptation observed in control pups. In contrast, VIP+ IN silencing had an effect towards the onset of active whisking. Silencing either IN subtype had no effect on speed coding. Our results reveal how these IN subtypes differentially contribute to early sensory processing over the first few postnatal weeks.

scholarly journals Motor cortical dynamics are shaped by multiple distinct subspaces during naturalistic behavior

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew G. Perich ◽  
Sara Conti ◽  
Marion Badi ◽  
Andrew Bogaard ◽  
Beatrice Barra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Cortex ◽  
Somatosensory Cortex ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Cortical Activity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cortical Dynamics ◽  
Object Interaction ◽  
Driven System ◽  
Flexible Integration ◽  
Motor Cortical

ABSTRACTBehavior relies on continuous influx of sensory information about the body and the environment. In primates, cortex integrates somatic feedback to accurately reach and manipulate objects. Yet, in many experimental regimes motor cortex seems paradoxically to operate as a feedforward, rather than feedback-driven, system. Here, we recorded simultaneously from motor and somatosensory cortex as monkeys performed a naturalistic reaching and object interaction behavior. We studied how unexpected feedback from behavioral errors influences cortical dynamics. Motor cortex generally exhibited robust feedforward dynamics, yet displayed feedback-driven dynamics surrounding correction of behavioral errors. We then decomposed motor cortical activity into orthogonal subspaces capturing communication with somatosensory cortex or behavior-generating dynamics. During error correction, the communication subspace became feedback-driven, while the behavioral subspace maintained feedforward dynamics. We therefore demonstrate that cortical activity is compartmentalized within distinct subspaces that shape the population dynamics, enabling flexible integration of salient inputs with ongoing activity for robust behavior.

scholarly journals Adaptive Behavior and the Role of Primary Somatosensory Cortex

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Waiblinger ◽  
Peter Y Borden ◽  
Garrett B Stanley
Keyword(s):  
Somatosensory Cortex ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Primary Somatosensory Cortex ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Stimulus Context ◽  
Voltage Imaging ◽  
Dynamic Framework ◽  
Task Strategy ◽  
Neuronal Processes ◽  
Flexible Behavior

ABSTRACTBehavioral experience and flexibility are crucial for survival in a constantly changing environment. What are the neuronal processes that selectively transform dynamic sensory information into an appropriate behavioral response, and how do these processes adapt to changes in the environment? Here, we use voltage imaging to measure signals in primary somatosensory cortex (S1) during sensory learning and behavioral adaptation in the mouse. We found that in response to changing sensory stimulus statistics, mice adopt a task strategy that modifies their detection behavior in a context dependent manner as to maintain reward expectation. Correspondingly, neuronal activity in S1 shifts from simply representing stimulus properties to adaptively representing stimulus context in an experience dependent manner. Our results suggest that neuronal signals in S1 are part of an adaptive and dynamic framework that facilitates flexible behavior as an individual gains experience.

scholarly journals Sensory stimulus evoked responses in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of the hind paw-related mouse primary somatosensory cortex

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Bony ◽  
Arjun A Bhaskaran ◽  
Katy Le Corf ◽  
Andreas Frick
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Somatosensory Cortex ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Barrel Cortex ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Primary Somatosensory Cortex ◽  
List Type ◽  
Evoked Responses ◽  
Spontaneous Firing ◽  
Layer 2

ABSTRACTThe mouse primary somatosensory cortex (S1) processes tactile sensory information and is the largest neocortex area emphasizing the importance of this sensory modality for rodent behavior. Most of our knowledge regarding information processing in S1 stems from studies of the whisker-related barrel cortex (S1–BC), yet the processing of tactile inputs from the hind-paws is poorly understood. We used in vivo whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from layer (L) 2/3 pyramidal neurons (PNs) of the S1 hind-paw (S1-HP) region of anaesthetized wild type (WT) mice to investigate their evoked sub- and supra-threshold activity, intrinsic properties, and spontaneous activity. Approximately 45% of these L2/3 PNs responded to brief contralateral HP stimulation in a subthreshold manner, ~5% fired action potentials, and ~50% of L2/3 PNs did not respond at all. The evoked subthreshold responses had long onset- (~23 ms) and peak-latencies (~61 ms). The majority (86%) of these L2/3 PNs responded to prolonged (stance-like) HP stimulation with both on- and off-responses. HP stimulation responsive L2/3 PNs had a greater intrinsic excitability compared to non-responsive ones, possibly reflecting differences in their physiological role. Similar to S1-BC, L2/3 PNs displayed up- and down-states, and low spontaneous firing rates (~0.1 Hz). Our findings support a sparse coding scheme of operation for S1–HP L2/3 PNs and highlight both differences and similarities with L2/3 PNs from other somatosensory cortex areas.KEY POINTSResponses of layer (L) 2/3 pyramidal neurons (PNs) of the primary somatosensory hind-paw cortex (S1-HP) to contralateral hind-paw stimulation reveal both differences and similarities compared to those of somatosensory neurons responding to other tactile (e.g. whiskers, forepaw, tongue) modalities.Similar to whisker-related barrel cortex (S1-BC) and forepaw cortex (S1-FP) S1-HP L2/3 PNs show a low spontaneous firing rate and a sparse action potential coding of evoked activity.In contrast to S1-BC, brief hind-paw stimulus evoked responses display a long latency in S1-HP neurons consistent with their different functional role.The great majority of L 2/3 PNs respond to prolonged hind-paw stimulation with both on- and off-responses.These results help us to better understand sensory information processing within layer 2/3 of the neocortex and the regional differences related to various tactile modalities.

scholarly journals Contribution of Interneuron Subtype-Specific GABAergic Signaling to Emergent Sensory Processing in Mouse Somatosensory Whisker Barrel Cortex

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liad J Baruchin ◽  
Filippo Ghezzi ◽  
Michael M Kohl ◽  
Simon J B Butt
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Barrel Cortex ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Gaba Release ◽  
Gabaergic Interneuron ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Sensory Adaptation ◽  
Genetic Manipulations ◽  
Layer 4 ◽  
Sensory Evoked

Abstract Mammalian neocortex is important for conscious processing of sensory information with balanced glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling fundamental to this function. Yet little is known about how this interaction arises despite increasing insight into early GABAergic interneuron (IN) circuits. To study this, we assessed the contribution of specific INs to the development of sensory processing in the mouse whisker barrel cortex, specifically the role of INs in early speed coding and sensory adaptation. In wild-type animals, both speed processing and adaptation were present as early as the layer 4 critical period of plasticity and showed refinement over the period leading to active whisking onset. To test the contribution of IN subtypes, we conditionally silenced action-potential-dependent GABA release in either somatostatin (SST) or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) INs. These genetic manipulations influenced both spontaneous and sensory-evoked cortical activity in an age- and layer-dependent manner. Silencing SST + INs reduced early spontaneous activity and abolished facilitation in sensory adaptation observed in control pups. In contrast, VIP + IN silencing had an effect towards the onset of active whisking. Silencing either IN subtype had no effect on speed coding. Our results show that these IN subtypes contribute to early sensory processing over the first few postnatal weeks.

Visual and Tactile Information About Object-Curvature Control Fingertip Forces and Grasp Kinematics in Human Dexterous Manipulation

2000 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. 2984-2997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Jenmalm ◽  
Seth Dahlstedt ◽  
Roland S. Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Visual Processing ◽  
Visual Cues ◽  
Grip Force ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Precision Grip ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Afferent Input ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Tactile Sensibility ◽  
Grasp Stability

Most objects that we manipulate have curved surfaces. We have analyzed how subjects during a prototypical manipulatory task use visual and tactile sensory information for adapting fingertip actions to changes in object curvature. Subjects grasped an elongated object at one end using a precision grip and lifted it while instructed to keep it level. The principal load of the grasp was tangential torque due to the location of the center of mass of the object in relation to the horizontal grip axis joining the centers of the opposing grasp surfaces. The curvature strongly influenced the grip forces required to prevent rotational slips. Likewise the curvature influenced the rotational yield of the grasp that developed under the tangential torque load due to the viscoelastic properties of the fingertip pulps. Subjects scaled the grip forces parametrically with object curvature for grasp stability. Moreover in a curvature-dependent manner, subjects twisted the grasp around the grip axis by a radial flexion of the wrist to keep the desired object orientation despite the rotational yield. To adapt these fingertip actions to object curvature, subjects could use both vision and tactile sensibility integrated with predictive control. During combined blindfolding and digital anesthesia, however, the motor output failed to predict the consequences of the prevailing curvature. Subjects used vision to identify the curvature for efficient feedforward retrieval of grip force requirements before executing the motor commands. Digital anesthesia caused little impairment of grip force control when subjects had vision available, but the adaptation of the twist became delayed. Visual cues about the form of the grasp surface obtained before contact was used to scale the grip force, whereas the scaling of the twist depended on visual cues related to object movement. Thus subjects apparently relied on different visuomotor mechanisms for adaptation of grip force and grasp kinematics. In contrast, blindfolded subjects used tactile cues about the prevailing curvature obtained after contact with the object for feedforward adaptation of both grip force and twist. We conclude that humans use both vision and tactile sensibility for feedforward parametric adaptation of grip forces and grasp kinematics to object curvature. Normal control of the twist action, however, requires digital afferent input, and different visuomotor mechanisms support the control of the grasp twist and the grip force. This differential use of vision may have a bearing to the two-stream model of human visual processing.

scholarly journals Sensory over-responsivity is related to GABAergic inhibition in thalamocortical circuits

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily T. Wood ◽  
Kaitlin K. Cummings ◽  
Jiwon Jung ◽  
Genevieve Patterson ◽  
Nana Okada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Network Connectivity ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Sensory Stimuli ◽  
Brain Responses

AbstractSensory over-responsivity (SOR), extreme sensitivity to or avoidance of sensory stimuli (e.g., scratchy fabrics, loud sounds), is a highly prevalent and impairing feature of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, and ADHD. Previous studies have found overactive brain responses and reduced modulation of thalamocortical connectivity in response to mildly aversive sensory stimulation in ASD. These findings suggest altered thalamic sensory gating which could be associated with an excitatory/inhibitory neurochemical imbalance, but such thalamic neurochemistry has never been examined in relation to SOR. Here we utilized magnetic resonance spectroscopy and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the relationship between thalamic and somatosensory cortex inhibitory (gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA) and excitatory (glutamate) neurochemicals with the intrinsic functional connectivity of those regions in 35 ASD and 35 typically developing pediatric subjects. Although there were no diagnostic group differences in neurochemical concentrations in either region, within the ASD group, SOR severity correlated negatively with thalamic GABA (r = −0.48, p < 0.05) and positively with somatosensory glutamate (r = 0.68, p < 0.01). Further, in the ASD group, thalamic GABA concentration predicted altered connectivity with regions previously implicated in SOR. These variations in GABA and associated network connectivity in the ASD group highlight the potential role of GABA as a mechanism underlying individual differences in SOR, a major source of phenotypic heterogeneity in ASD. In ASD, abnormalities of the thalamic neurochemical balance could interfere with the thalamic role in integrating, relaying, and inhibiting attention to sensory information. These results have implications for future research and GABA-modulating pharmacologic interventions.

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