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的Laszlo Negyessy博士合作完成，作为NIH R01 NS 044375（PI：安娜W. Roe）。本研究的目的是探讨松鼠猴SI中触觉信息处理的神经解剖学基础。父母资助的目标是：1）研究区域3b和1中振动触觉模态特定（压力、颤动和振动）表示的功能组织，以及2）比较区域3b和1中的简单与复杂反应偏好。本Firca中提出的研究将由母基金资助的光学成像和神经生理学研究指导并与之相结合。神经解剖示踪剂注射（顺行和逆行）将在区域3b和1的功能识别区域进行。在目标1中，我们将研究区域3b和区域1内振动触觉网络的模态特异性。在目标2中，我们将研究区域3b和1内连接的地形特异性。在目的3中，在超微结构研究中，我们将检查由内在连接和间隙连接形成的突触的GABA能靶点的突触关系，以帮助解释特定连接的功能效应是兴奋性还是抑制性。这些数据将提供一个解剖学的基础，以成像的振动触觉网络，空间地形，功能比较之间的区域3b和1，以及感知现象的地图，如functional错觉。有很少的研究，检查局部解剖电路内体感皮层，据我们所知，没有一个已经进行了综合的方式与功能研究的局部功能组织和感知过程。这些解剖学数据本身就非常有价值，但与母基金中的功能性研究并行解释时更是如此。

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.