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Published on: October 22, 2015
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Auditory Corticofugal Neurons Transmit Auditory and Non-auditory Information During Behavior
Alexander N Ford1, Jordyn E Czarny1, Meike M Rogalla1
1Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.
Summary
Corticofugal neurons in the auditory cortex are crucial for learning. Their dendritic spikes, not directly tied to sound cues, are essential for auditory discrimination learning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Processing
- Learning and Memory
Background:
- Layer 5 pyramidal neurons in sensory cortices (corticofugal neurons) project to sub-cortical areas, influencing perception and learning.
- Dendritic calcium (Ca2+) spikes in these neurons are hypothesized to drive burst firing, modulating sub-cortical representations and plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral relevance of dendritic spikes in auditory corticofugal neurons during a sound-discrimination task.
- To understand the role of these spikes in auditory perception and learning.
Main Methods:
- In vivo 2-photon Ca2+ imaging of auditory corticofugal dendrites in mice performing a GO/NO-GO sound-discrimination task.
- Temporally selective optogenetic silencing of corticofugal neurons during specific trial periods.
Main Results:
- A minority of dendritic spikes were triggered by behaviorally relevant sounds.
- Task-related dendritic activity predominantly followed sound cue termination and licking during the answer period.
- Optogenetic silencing during the answer period impaired auditory discrimination learning.
Conclusions:
- Auditory corticofugal dendritic spikes are not solely driven by sensory input but are linked to behavioral output and learning.
- The contribution of auditory corticofugal systems to learning may involve non-sensory functions, potentially related to action execution or decision-making.
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