Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026
06:18
Author Spotlight: Deciphering Neural Circuit Formation from Two-Photon Microscopy and Single Neuron Imaging
Published on: November 21, 2023
1.3K
Temporal refinement of sensory-evoked activity across layers in developing mouse barrel cortex
Alexander van der Bourg1,2, Jenq-Wei Yang3, Maik C Stüttgen4
1Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|April 4, 2019
Summary
Sensory processing in the mouse whisker system sharpens during development. Neuronal responses in the primary somatosensory cortex change, showing temporal refinement that aligns with the onset of active whisking behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Sensory Processing
Background:
- Rodent whisking behavior develops around two weeks post-birth, coinciding with sensory maturation and locomotion.
- Developmental changes in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) related to whisker processing are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize neuronal activity in the developing barrel cortex (S1) in response to whisker stimulation.
- To investigate how sensory processing changes before, during, and after the critical period of active whisking development.
Main Methods:
- Multi-electrode recordings were performed in all layers of the barrel cortex of urethane-anesthetized mice at different developmental stages.
- Neuronal activity was evoked by single- and dual-whisker stimulation patterns.
- Responses were analyzed for changes in timing, duration, and precision.
Main Results:
- Early sensory responses (0-50 ms) remained consistent across development.
- Late sensory responses (50-150 ms) decreased in amplitude with age.
- Spiking precision and paired-pulse ratios increased, indicating temporal sharpening of neuronal activity.
- Responses to sequential whisker stimulation varied based on stimulus direction and interval.
Conclusions:
- Sensory-evoked activity in the barrel cortex undergoes temporal sharpening during development.
- This sharpening of neural responses coincides with the onset of active whisking behavior in rodents.
More Related Videos
12:06Transmission Electron Microscopy as the Visualization Technique for Analysis of Circadian Synaptic Plasticity in the Mouse Barrel Cortex
Published on: August 19, 2025
920
09:26Functional Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at 7 T in the Rat Barrel Cortex During Whisker Activation
Published on: February 8, 2019
9.2K
Related Concept Videos
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
7.2K
The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
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....
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....
7.2K
01:31What is a Sensory System?
101.0K
Sensory systems detect stimuli—such as light and sound waves—and transduce them into neural signals that can be interpreted by the nervous system. In addition to external stimuli detected by the senses, some sensory systems detect internal stimuli—such as the proprioceptors in muscles and tendons that send feedback about limb position.
101.0K
01:09Multi-pass Transmembrane Proteins and β-barrels
6.4K
In multi-pass transmembrane proteins, the polypeptide chain crosses the membrane more than once. The transmembrane polypeptide chain either forms an α-helix or β-strand structure. α-Helix containing multi-pass transmembrane proteins are ubiquitous, whereas β-strand containing ones are mainly found in gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.
α-Helix containing multi-pass transmembrane proteins
Multi-pass transmembrane proteins such as...
α-Helix containing multi-pass transmembrane proteins
Multi-pass transmembrane proteins such as...
6.4K
01:15Sensory Modalities
3.8K
Sensation typically is the process by which the sensory receptors and sense organs detect stimuli from the internal and external environment and transmit this information to the central nervous system for processing.
General senses refer to the broad category of sensory information detected by receptors in the body and can be further grouped into somatic and visceral senses. Somatic sensations include touch, pressure, temperature, and pain and are essential for navigating our environment and...
General senses refer to the broad category of sensory information detected by receptors in the body and can be further grouped into somatic and visceral senses. Somatic sensations include touch, pressure, temperature, and pain and are essential for navigating our environment and...
3.8K
01:14Sensory Memory
655
Sensory memory captures information from the environment in its original form for a very brief duration, just long enough to be exposed to visual, auditory, and other senses. This type of memory is detailed and rich but quickly lost unless certain strategies are employed to transfer it into short-term or long-term memory. Sensory information is continuously bombarding the human brain, yet only a small fraction is absorbed, as most of it does not significantly impact daily life. For instance,...
655
01:21Layers of the Epidermis
8.0K
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of several distinct layers. From deep to superficial, the layers of the epidermis are as follows:
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
8.0K