Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2026

Ex Vivo Optogenetic Dissection of Fear Circuits in Brain Slices
Published on: April 5, 2016
Hippocampal and amygdalar structures preferentially target somatostatin-expressing interneurons in the auditory
Philip T Williams1, Tania Rinaldi Barkat1, Florian Studer1
1Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4056, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The auditory cortex integrates sensory and contextual inputs in emotion and fear driven situations that can be consolidated over learning. Somatostatin-expressing (SST+) interneurons play a key role in inhibitory modulation of sensory processing, yet their long-range inputs remain poorly characterised. We performed rabies-based retrograde monosynaptic tracing to compare the specific inputs to SST+ interneurons with the general input connectome of neurons in the mouse auditory cortex. Overall, inputs were similar, with the majority of presynaptic neurons originating from the ipsilateral auditory cortex, medial geniculate body and other sensory areas. However, SST+ interneurons received significantly more inputs from limbic regions, including the hippocampus and amygdala, than other auditory neurons. Our results show preferential targeting of SST+ interneurons in auditory cortex by regions involved in emotion and memory. These connections may be involved in auditory learning and state-dependent gating of auditory responses.
More Related Videos
09:29Stereotactically-guided Ablation of the Rat Auditory Cortex, and Localization of the Lesion in the Brain
Published on: October 11, 2017
09:49Combined Optogenetic and Freeze-fracture Replica Immunolabeling to Examine Input-specific Arrangement of Glutamate Receptors in the Mouse Amygdala
Published on: April 15, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Olfaction
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
The Cochlea