Modulation of visual responses by behavioral state in mouse visual cortex.

ABSTRACT: Studies of visual processing in rodents have conventionally been performed on anesthetized animals, precluding examination of the effects of behavior on visually evoked responses. We have now studied the response properties of neurons in primary visual cortex of awake mice that were allowed to run on a freely rotating spherical treadmill with their heads fixed. Most neurons showed more than a doubling of visually evoked firing rate as the animal transitioned from standing still to running, without changes in spontaneous firing or stimulus selectivity. Tuning properties in the awake animal were similar to those measured previously in anesthetized animals. Response magnitude in the lateral geniculate nucleus did not increase with locomotion, demonstrating that the striking change in responsi

SUBMITTER: Niell CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3184003 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature