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The essential role of recurrent processing for figure-ground perception in mice
Lisa Kirchberger1, Sreedeep Mukherjee1, Ulf H Schnabel1
1Department of Vision and Cognition, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Science Advances
|July 1, 2021
Summary
Figure-ground segregation relies on a delayed response phase in the primary visual cortex (V1). This process involves specific interneuron circuits and interactions between visual areas, crucial for visual perception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Figure-ground segregation is essential for visual perception.
- Primary visual cortex (V1) shows enhanced neuronal activity for figures during a delayed response phase.
- The mechanisms and necessity of this figure-ground modulation (FGM) remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the necessity of the delayed V1 response phase for figure-ground segregation.
- To explore the neural circuits underlying FGM in V1.
- To understand the interaction between V1 and higher visual areas in FGM.
Main Methods:
- Optogenetic silencing in mice.
- Recording neuronal activity in V1 and higher visual areas.
- Analyzing the role of vasoactive intestinal peptide-expressing (VIP) and somatostatin-positive interneurons.
Main Results:
- The delayed V1 response phase is necessary for figure-ground segregation.
- FGM in higher visual areas influences FGM in V1.
- VIP interneurons disinhibit pyramidal cells, contributing to FGM in V1.
Conclusions:
- The delayed V1 response phase is critical for figure-ground segregation.
- Disinhibitory circuits involving VIP interneurons play a key role in V1 FGM.
- Interactions between visual areas shape figure-ground perception.
