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Title:

Layer- and cell-type-specific suprathreshold stimulus representation in rat primary somatosensory cortex.

Document type:
Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Author(s):
de Kock, CP; Bruno, RM; Spors, H; Sakmann, B
Abstract:
Sensory stimuli are encoded differently across cortical layers and it is unknown how response characteristics relate to the morphological identity of responding cells. We therefore juxtasomally recorded action potential (AP) patterns from excitatory cells in layer (L) 2/3, L4, L5 and L6 of rat barrel cortex in response to a standard stimulus (e.g. repeated deflection of single whiskers in the caudal direction). Subsequent single-cell filling with biocytin allowed for post hoc identification of recorded cells. We report three major conclusions. First, sensory-evoked responses were layer- and cell-type-specific but always < 1 AP per stimulus, indicating low AP rates for the entire cortical column. Second, response latencies from L4, L5B and L6 were comparable and thus a whisker deflection is initially represented simultaneously in these layers. Finally, L5 thick-tufted cells dominated the cortical AP output following sensory stimulation, suggesting that these cells could direct sensory guided behaviours.
Journal title abbreviation:
J Physiol
Year:
2007
Journal volume:
581
Journal issue:
Pt 1
Pages contribution:
139-54
Language:
eng
Fulltext / DOI:
doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2006.124321
Pubmed ID:
http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17317752
Print-ISSN:
0022-3751
TUM Institution:
Institut für Neurowissenschaften
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