Presentation Abstract

Program#/Poster#: 384.05/SS4
Presentation Title: Systematic examination of oscillations in SI during a vibrissal motion detection task.
Location: Hall A-C
Presentation time: Monday, Nov 14, 2011, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Authors: *D. L. PRITCHETT, J. H. SIEGLE, C. I. MOORE;
MIT, CAMBRIDGE, MA
Abstract: Pre-stimulus delta, alpha (mu), beta, and gamma oscillations have all been implicated in the early stages of cortical sensory processing, mainly as a result of experiments performed in humans and non-human primates. Such studies have shown correlations between activity in different frequency bands and stimulus detectability, response times, and attentional state, but causal evidence for the role of these oscillations is lacking. Studies in rodents may help us understanding what mechanistic role, if any, rhythmic activity plays in perception, by allowing us to directly control oscillations on the timescale of behavior.
Our lab has previously demonstrated the ability to induce and suppress rhythmic activity in mice using optogenetic techniques. However, the natural relationship between local oscillations and detection has not been established in this species. We sought to relate SI activity in various frequency bands to behavioral reports made in response to vibrissae stimulation. Ongoing variations in alpha-band activity (7-12 Hz) were anti-correlated with probability of detection, in agreement with previous studies in humans. Gamma activity (30-50 Hz) was enhanced on detection trials, although this correlation was weaker than that for alpha. In addition, we have characterized the relationship between pre-stimulus oscillations and stimulus-evoked spiking. We are currently using optogenetics to causally manipulate these oscillations in order to observe the behavioral consequences.
Disclosures:  D.L. Pritchett: None. J.H. Siegle: None. C.I. Moore: None.
Keyword(s): GAMMA
Alpha
MICE Behavior
Support: NIH Grant 5-ROI-NS045130-07
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2011 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2011. Online.

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