Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Manufacturing and Using Piggy-back Multibarrel Electrodes for In vivo Pharmacological Manipulations of Neural Responses
Published on: January 18, 2013
GABAergic organization of the auditory cortex in the mustached bat (Pteronotus p. parnellii)
Jeffery A Winer1, Lynne A Bui, Jane H Hong
1Division of Neurobiology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA.
Abstract:
The structure and distribution of neurons and axon terminals (puncta) immunostained for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the parietotemporal neocortex of the mustached bat (Pteronotus p. parnellii) was studied. The types of GABAergic neurons and puncta (putative terminals) were analyzed, and the immunocytochemical patterns were compared to those in cat auditory cortex (AC). The classic map of mustached bat primary auditory cortex (AI) corresponds to a belt of granular six-layered cortex on the temporal convexity. This area encompasses the Doppler-shifted constant frequency 60 kHz domain (DSCF) described in physiological investigations, as well as its flanking, low-frequency, posterior field (AIp) and the anterior high-frequency region (AIa). Many types of GABAergic neurons correspond to those in cat primary AC. However, the bat had a significantly lower proportion of such cells in five of the six layers. The classes of GABAergic neurons in most layers were small, medium-sized, and large multipolar cells, and bipolar and bitufted neurons. Types found in only one or two layers included horizontal cells (layers I and VI) or extraverted multipolar neurons (layer II). Only layer IV had comparable percentages (∼ 26%), suggesting that the GABAergic influence on lemniscal thalamocortical input is conserved phylogenetically. While the cellular basis for GABAergic cortical processing may reflect shared neural circuits and common modes of inhibitory processing, laminar differences could underlie adaptations specific to microchioptera.
Related Concept Videos
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
The Cochlea
Anatomy of the Ear
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
Hearing

