Perceptual Circuits in Somatosensory Cortices

描述（由申请人提供）：本研究将与匈牙利布达佩斯Semmelweis大学的Laszlo Negyessy博士合作完成，作为父母资助NIH R01 NS044375的延伸（PI: Anna W. Roe）。本研究旨在探讨松鼠猴触觉信息加工的神经解剖学基础。本研究的目标是：1)研究区域3b和区域1中振动触觉模态特异性（压力、颤振和振动）表征的功能组织；2)比较区域3b和区域1中简单和复杂的反应偏好。本报告中提出的研究将在父母资助下进行的光学成像和神经生理学研究的指导和整合下进行。神经解剖示踪剂注射（顺行和逆行）将被注射到3b和1区功能识别的区域。在目标1中，我们将检查区域3b和区域1内振动触觉网络的模式特异性。在目标2中，我们将检查区域3b和1内连接的地形特异性。在Aim 3的超微结构研究中，我们将检查由内连接和区域间连接形成的突触的gaba能靶点的突触关系，以帮助解释特定连接的功能作用是兴奋性的还是抑制性的。这些数据将为振动触觉成像网络、空间地形、3b区和1区之间的功能比较以及诸如漏斗错觉等感知现象的地图提供解剖学基础。很少有研究检查体感觉皮层内的局部解剖电路，据我们所知，还没有研究将局部功能组织和感知过程的功能研究结合起来。这些解剖学数据本身就很有价值，但如果与父母资助的功能研究同时进行解释，就更有价值了。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This research will be done in collaboration with Dr. Laszlo Negyessy at Budapest, Hungary at Semmelweis University as an extension of parent grant NIH R01 NS044375 (PI: Anna W. Roe). The goal of the proposed studies is to investigate the neuroanatomical basis of tactile information processing in SI of the squirrel monkey. The goals of the parent grant are to 1) study the functional organization of vibrotactile modality- specific (pressure, flutter, and vibration) representation in Area 3b and 1, and 2) compare the simple vs. complex response preferences in Area 3b and 1. The studies proposed in this Firca will be guided by and integrated with the optical imaging and neurophysiological studies conducted under the parent grant. Neuroanatomical tracer injections (both anterograde and retrograde) will be made into functionally identified domains in Areas 3b and 1. In Aim 1, we will examine modality-specificity of vibrotactile networks within Areas 3b and Area 1. In Aim 2, we will examine topographic specificity of connections within Areas 3b and 1. In Aim 3, in ultrastructural studies, we will examine synaptic relationships of GABAergic targets of synapses formed by the intrinsic-, and interareal connections to help interpret whether functional effects of specific connections are excitatory or inhibitory. These data will provide an anatomical underpinning to imaged vibrotactile networks, to spatial topographies, to functional comparisons between Areas 3b and 1, and to maps of perceptual phenomena such as the funneling illusion. There are very few studies examining local anatomical circuitries within somatosensory cortex and to our knowledge none have been conducted in an integrated fashion with functional studies of local functional organization and perceptual processes. These anatomical data will be highly valuable in their own right, but will be even more so when interpreted in parallel with functional studies in the parent grant.