scholarly journals Scanned optogenetic control of mammalian somatosensory input to map input-specific behavioral outputs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ara Schorscher-Petcu ◽  
Flóra Takács ◽  
Liam E. Browne
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Stimulus Intensity ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Optogenetic Stimulation ◽  
Somatosensory Input ◽  
Sensory Motor ◽  
Freely Behaving ◽  
Somatosensory Stimuli ◽  
Stimulation Of

AbstractSomatosensory stimuli guide and shape behavior, from immediate protective reflexes to longer-term learning and high-order processes related to pain and touch. However, somatosensory inputs are challenging to control in awake mammals due to the diversity and nature of contact stimuli. Application of cutaneous stimuli is currently limited to relatively imprecise methods as well as subjective behavioral measures. The strategy we present here overcomes these difficulties by achieving spatiotemporally precise, remote and dynamic optogenetic stimulation of skin by projecting light to a small defined area in freely-behaving mice. We mapped behavioral responses to specific nociceptive inputs and revealed a sparse code for stimulus intensity: using the first action potential, the number of activated nociceptors governs the timing and magnitude of rapid protective pain-related behavior. The strategy can be used to define specific behavioral repertoires, examine the timing and nature of reflexes, and dissect sensory, motor, cognitive and motivational processes guiding behavior.

scholarly journals Scanned optogenetic control of mammalian somatosensory input to map input-specific behavioral outputs

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ara Schorscher-Petcu ◽  
Flóra Takács ◽  
Liam E Browne
Keyword(s):  
Action Potentials ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Head Orientation ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Single Action ◽  
Somatosensory Input ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Freely Behaving ◽  
Remote Touch ◽  
Slow Onset

Somatosensory stimuli guide and shape behavior, from immediate protective reflexes to longer-term learning and higher-order processes related to pain and touch. However, somatosensory inputs are challenging to control in awake mammals due to the diversity and nature of contact stimuli. Application of cutaneous stimuli is currently limited to relatively imprecise methods as well as subjective behavioral measures. The strategy we present here overcomes these difficulties, achieving 'remote touch' with spatiotemporally precise and dynamic optogenetic stimulation by projecting light to a small defined area of skin. We mapped behavioral responses in freely behaving mice with specific nociceptor and low-threshold mechanoreceptor inputs. In nociceptors, sparse recruitment of single action potentials shapes rapid protective pain-related behaviors, including coordinated head orientation and body repositioning that depend on the initial body pose. In contrast, activation of low-threshold mechanoreceptors elicited slow-onset behaviors and more subtle whole-body behaviors. The strategy can be used to define specific behavioral repertoires, examine the timing and nature of reflexes, and dissect sensory, motor, cognitive and motivational processes guiding behavior.

scholarly journals Human primary somatosensory cortex is differentially involved in vibrotaction and nociception

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. 317-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cédric Lenoir ◽  
Gan Huang ◽  
Yves Vandermeeren ◽  
Samar Marie Hatem ◽  
André Mouraux
Keyword(s):  
Somatosensory Cortex ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Primary Somatosensory Cortex ◽  
High Definition ◽  
Somatosensory Input ◽  
Differential Involvement ◽  
Somatosensory Stimuli ◽  
Stimulation Of

The role of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in vibrotaction is well established. In contrast, its involvement in nociception is still debated. Here we test whether S1 is similarly involved in the processing of nonnociceptive and nociceptive somatosensory input in humans by comparing the aftereffects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) of S1 on the event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by nonnociceptive and nociceptive somatosensory stimuli delivered to the ipsilateral and contralateral hands. Cathodal HD-tDCS significantly affected the responses to nonnociceptive somatosensory stimuli delivered to the contralateral hand: both early-latency ERPs from within S1 (N20 wave elicited by transcutaneous electrical stimulation of median nerve) and late-latency ERPs elicited outside S1 (N120 wave elicited by short-lasting mechanical vibrations delivered to index fingertip, thought to originate from bilateral operculo-insular and cingulate cortices). These results support the notion that S1 constitutes an obligatory relay for the cortical processing of nonnociceptive tactile input originating from the contralateral hemibody. Contrasting with this asymmetric effect of HD-tDCS on the responses to nonnociceptive somatosensory input, HD-tDCS over the sensorimotor cortex led to a bilateral and symmetric reduction of the magnitude of the N240 wave of nociceptive laser-evoked potentials elicited by stimulation of the hand dorsum. Taken together, our results demonstrate in humans a differential involvement of S1 in vibrotaction and nociception. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Whereas the role of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in vibrotaction is well established, its involvement in nociception remains strongly debated. By assessing, in healthy volunteers, the effect of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation over S1, we demonstrate a differential involvement of S1 in vibrotaction and nociception.

scholarly journals Distinct behavioral responses evoked by selective optogenetic stimulation of the major TRPV1+ and MrgD+ subsets of C-fibers

Pain ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 158 (12) ◽  
pp. 2329-2339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Beaudry ◽  
Ihab Daou ◽  
Ariel R. Ase ◽  
Alfredo Ribeiro-da-Silva ◽  
Philippe Séguéla
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Optogenetic Stimulation ◽  
C Fibers ◽  
Stimulation Of

scholarly journals The Effects of Curare in the Cockroach

1970 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 593-601
Author(s):  
K. J. FRIEDMAN ◽  
A. D. CARLSON
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Action Potential ◽  
Nerve Cord ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Periplaneta Americana ◽  
Sensory Motor ◽  
Giant Fibres ◽  
Stimulation Of

1. The study of insect curarization in the cockroach, Periplaneta americana, has been continued. The application of curare solution (0.032 M dTC) to the nerve cord produced blockage of action-potential conduction in the giant fibres lying within the nerve cord. 2. The application of curare solution to the cerci prevented the recording of action potentials from the cercal nerves of the organism. Application of dTC to the cercal nerve-A6 region of the cockroach prevented giant fibres from responding to electrical stimulation of the cercal nerves. These results are interpreted as indicating that curare blocks the conduction of action potentials in the cercal nerve. 3. It is proposed that curare can induce blockage of conduction in sensory, motor and central nervous system fibres. It is further proposed that this blockage of conduction is the mechanism of insect curarization. 4. The results of previous reports concerned with insect curarization are re-interpreted in view of the proposal. Several of the conflicts in these reports are resolved by the proposal that blockage of conduction is the mechanism of insect curarization.

scholarly journals Physiological and Behavioral Responses to Optogenetic Stimulation of PKD2L1+ Type III Taste Cells

eNeuro ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. ENEURO.0107-19.2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney E. Wilson ◽  
Aurelie Vandenbeuch ◽  
Sue C. Kinnamon
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Optogenetic Stimulation ◽  
Taste Cells ◽  
Stimulation Of

scholarly journals Freely Behaving Mice Can Brake and Turn During Optogenetic Stimulation of the Mesencephalic Locomotor Region

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cornelis Immanuel van der Zouwen ◽  
Joël Boutin ◽  
Maxime Fougère ◽  
Aurélie Flaive ◽  
Mélanie Vivancos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patch Clamp ◽  
Open Field ◽  
Environmental Cues ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mesencephalic Locomotor Region ◽  
Optogenetic Stimulation ◽  
Cuneiform Nucleus ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Freely Behaving ◽  
Stimulation Of

A key function of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) is to control the speed of forward symmetrical locomotor movements. However, the ability of freely moving mammals to integrate environmental cues to brake and turn during MLR stimulation is poorly documented. Here, we investigated whether freely behaving mice could brake or turn, based on environmental cues during MLR stimulation. We photostimulated the cuneiform nucleus (part of the MLR) in mice expressing channelrhodopsin in Vglut2-positive neurons in a Cre-dependent manner (Vglut2-ChR2-EYFP) using optogenetics. We detected locomotor movements using deep learning. We used patch-clamp recordings to validate the functional expression of channelrhodopsin and neuroanatomy to visualize the stimulation sites. In the linear corridor, gait diagram and limb kinematics were similar during spontaneous and optogenetic-evoked locomotion. In the open-field arena, optogenetic stimulation of the MLR evoked locomotion, and increasing laser power increased locomotor speed. Mice could brake and make sharp turns (~90°) when approaching a corner during MLR stimulation in the open-field arena. The speed during the turn was scaled with the speed before the turn, and with the turn angle. Patch-clamp recordings in Vglut2-ChR2-EYFP mice show that blue light evoked short-latency spiking in MLR neurons. Our results strengthen the idea that different brainstem neurons convey braking/turning and MLR speed commands in mammals. Our study also shows that Vglut2-positive neurons of the cuneiform nucleus are a relevant target to increase locomotor activity without impeding the ability to brake and turn when approaching obstacles, thus ensuring smooth and adaptable navigation. Our observations may have clinical relevance since cuneiform nucleus stimulation is increasingly considered to improve locomotion function in pathological states such as Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, or stroke.

scholarly journals Freely behaving mice can brake and turn during optogenetic stimulation of the Mesencephalic Locomotor Region

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cornelis Immanuel van der Zouwen ◽  
Joël Boutin ◽  
Maxime Fougère ◽  
Aurélie Flaive ◽  
Mélanie Vivancos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patch Clamp ◽  
Environmental Cues ◽  
List Type ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Turn Angle ◽  
Mesencephalic Locomotor Region ◽  
Optogenetic Stimulation ◽  
Limb Kinematics ◽  
Freely Behaving ◽  
Stimulation Of

AbstractBackgroundStimulation of the Mesencephalic Locomotor Region (MLR) is increasingly considered as a target to improve locomotor function in Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury and stroke. A key function of the MLR is to control the speed of forward symmetrical locomotor movements. However, the ability of freely moving mammals to integrate environmental cues to brake and turn during MLR stimulation is poorly documented.Objective/hypothesisWe investigated whether freely behaving mice could brake or turn based on environmental cues during MLR stimulation.MethodsWe stimulated the cuneiform nucleus in mice expressing channelrhodopsin in Vglut2-positive neurons in a Cre-dependent manner (Vglut2-ChR2-EYFP) using optogenetics. We detected locomotor movements using deep learning. We used patch-clamp recordings to validate the functional expression of channelrhodopsin and neuroanatomy to visualize the stimulation sites.ResultsOptogenetic stimulation of the MLR evoked locomotion and increasing laser power increased locomotor speed. Gait diagram and limb kinematics were similar during spontaneous and optogenetic-evoked locomotion. Mice could brake and make sharp turns (∼90⁰) when approaching a corner during MLR stimulation in an open-field arena. The speed during the turn was scaled with the speed before the turn, and with the turn angle. In a reporter mouse, many Vglut2-ZsGreen neurons were immunopositive for glutamate in the MLR. Patch-clamp recordings in Vglut2-ChR2-EYFP mice show that blue light evoked short latency spiking in MLR neurons.ConclusionMLR glutamatergic neurons are a relevant target to improve locomotor activity without impeding the ability to brake and turn when approaching an obstacle, thus ensuring smooth and adaptable navigation.Highlights-Mice brake and turn when approaching the arena’s corner during MLR-evoked locomotion-Speed decrease is scaled to speed before the turn during MLR-evoked locomotion-Turn angle is scaled to turn speed during MLR-evoked locomotion-Gait and limb kinematics are similar during spontaneous and MLR-evoked locomotion

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