Recent odor experience selectively modulates olfactory sensitivity across the glomerular output in the mouse
Narayan Subramanian1, Lee Min Leong1, Paria Salemi Mokri Boukani1,2
1Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|October 10, 2024
Summary
Neural adaptation in the mouse olfactory bulb allows for flexible odor processing. Recent odor experiences selectively shape neural responses for over 30 seconds, aiding dynamic adjustments in complex environments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Olfactory System Research
- Sensory Processing
Background:
- Understanding neural circuits for odor localization and recognition is crucial.
- Adaptation in neural circuits allows adjustment to sensory environments while maintaining stability for learned associations.
- The mouse olfactory bulb's role in adaptation is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the time course and population-wide effects of adaptation in the mouse olfactory bulb.
- To determine if adaptation in the olfactory bulb is broad or selective across glomeruli.
- To understand how recent odor experiences shape neural responsiveness.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 2-photon calcium imaging from mitral/tufted glomeruli in awake mice.
- Measured glomerular responses and population odor representations.
- Analyzed odor-concentration pairings with varying interstimulus intervals.
Main Results:
- Individual glomerular responses and population odor representations remained stable across sessions.
- Odor-concentration pairings with >30s intervals induced concentration-dependent, heterogeneous adaptation.
- Adaptation was independent of respiration and unlikely to originate from olfactory receptor neurons.
Conclusions:
- The olfactory bulb can transmit stable odor representations.
- Recent odor experiences can selectively modulate neural responsiveness for over 30 seconds.
- Non-uniform adaptation across glomeruli may facilitate dynamic adjustments in complex olfactory environments.
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