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Related Experiment Video

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Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation
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Intracortical Microstimulation (ICMS) Activates Motor Cortex Layer 5 Pyramidal Neurons Mainly Transsynaptically.

Ahmed T Hussin1, Jeffery A Boychuk2, Andrew R Brown1

  • 1Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1; Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1.

Brain Stimulation
|April 21, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) primarily activates motor cortex neurons synaptically. Blocking synaptic transmission significantly reduced responses, indicating a predominantly indirect activation pathway for ICMS-induced movements.

Keywords:
Intracortical microstimulationMotor cortexMotor mapsMovement representationsPatch-clampingRat

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Motor Cortex Research

Background:

  • Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) is used to map motor cortex functions.
  • ICMS activates layer 5 motor cortex neurons, potentially causing body movements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate whether ICMS directly or transsynaptically activates pyramidal tract projection neurons.
  • Clarify the activation mechanisms of ICMS in the motor cortex.

Main Methods:

  • Combined in vitro whole-cell recordings with in vivo ICMS.
  • Utilized pharmacological blockers for glutamatergic and GABAergic receptors.
  • Measured changes in synaptic spike threshold, spiking rate, and movement threshold.

Main Results:

  • Blocking synaptic transmission increased ICMS current intensity needed for movement and reduced spiking responses by 85%.
  • Some neurons remained responsive at higher intensities, suggesting minor direct activation.
  • Data indicate a predominantly synaptic activation mode.

Conclusions:

  • ICMS primarily activates layer 5 motor cortex neurons via synaptic pathways.
  • Direct neuronal activation by ICMS is minimal.
  • Findings clarify ICMS mechanisms in motor cortex mapping.