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Published on: June 14, 2020
Cell diversity and connection specificity between callosal projection neurons in the frontal cortex
Takeshi Otsuka1, Yasuo Kawaguchi
1Division of Cerebral Circuitry, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.
Summary
The commissural system organizes neocortical excitatory subnetworks. Distinct callosal projection neuron (COM) cell subnetworks facilitate interhemispheric communication based on projection patterns.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- Neocortical pyramidal cells form specialized excitatory subnetworks.
- The commissural system facilitates interhemispheric communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how the commissural system organizes intracortical excitatory subnetworks for interhemispheric communication.
- Characterize the properties and connectivity of callosal projection neurons (COM cells).
Main Methods:
- Whole-cell recordings from rat frontal cortical slices.
- Identification of COM cells using retrograde fluorescent tracer.
- Analysis of physiological, morphological, and synaptic properties of COM cells.
Main Results:
- Layer V (L5) COM cells show heterogeneity in properties and projection patterns.
- Synaptic connectivity is higher between COM cells of the same firing subtype.
- Layer II/III (L2/3) COM cells preferentially innervate L5 COM cells.
- L5 COM cell pairs of the same subtype share inputs from L2/3 COM cells more frequently.
Conclusions:
- Callosal communication involves distinct COM cell subnetworks.
- Subnetwork organization is differentiated by ipsilateral projection patterns.
- These findings elucidate the structural basis of interhemispheric information transfer.
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