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Stereotactically-guided Ablation of the Rat Auditory Cortex, and Localization of the Lesion in the Brain
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Auditory Cortex Contributes to Discrimination of Pure Tones
Conor O'Sullivan1,2, Aldis P Weible1, Michael Wehr3,4
1Institute of Neuroscience.
Eneuro
|October 9, 2019
Summary
Auditory cortex suppression impairs sound frequency discrimination in mice, while lesions do not. This suggests rapid compensatory pathways activate quickly after injury, highlighting differences between suppression and destruction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Auditory Perception
- Sensory Systems
Background:
- The auditory cortex is organized by sound frequency, but its precise role in frequency perception is debated.
- Previous studies show conflicting results regarding the necessity of the auditory cortex for frequency discrimination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the auditory cortex in sound frequency discrimination.
- To compare the effects of transient suppression versus permanent lesions of the auditory cortex on this ability.
Main Methods:
- Mice underwent transient bilateral optogenetic suppression of the auditory cortex.
- Mice also underwent bilateral electrolytic lesions of the auditory cortex.
- Performance on a frequency discrimination task was assessed after both interventions.
Main Results:
- Optogenetic suppression significantly impaired frequency discrimination performance.
- Electrolytic lesions had no significant effect on discrimination performance, even shortly after the procedure.
- These findings suggest rapid compensatory mechanisms are engaged following auditory cortex destruction.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant difference in the functional impact of auditory cortex suppression versus lesion.
- Rapid compensatory pathways can mediate frequency discrimination when the auditory cortex is destroyed.
- These compensatory pathways are insufficient when the auditory cortex is intact but suppressed.
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