Inhibitory network predicts microstimulation-induced circuit changes in the awake mammalian cortex

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience
• Systems Neuroscience

Background:

• Intracortical microstimulation (ICM) is crucial for probing neural circuits.
• Understanding post-stimulation circuit dynamics and plasticity is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate neural circuit changes following ICM in the awake mouse visual cortex.
• To elucidate the role of inhibition in shaping stimulation-induced plasticity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two-photon imaging to track genetically identified neurons.
• Monitored neural activity before, during, and after a 15-minute ICM period.
• Analyzed excitatory and inhibitory neuron responses and population coupling.

Main Results:

• Observed pronounced suppression in excitatory neurons post-ICM.
• Detected increased activity in inhibitory neurons, including those not directly stimulated.
• Found excitatory plasticity depends on stimulation recruitment and neighboring inhibitory cell activity.
• Inhibitory plasticity correlated with pre-stimulation population coupling.

Conclusions:

• Inhibition plays a critical role in mediating circuit modifications after ICM.
• Stimulation-induced plasticity is influenced by both direct recruitment and network inhibition.
• Pre-existing network connectivity shapes inhibitory plasticity.