Functionally distinct NMDA receptors mediate horizontal connectivity within Layer 4 of mouse barrel cortex

Ilya A. Fleidervish, Alexander M. Binshtok, Michael J. Gutnick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

In sensory areas of neocortex, thalamocortical afferents project primarily onto the spiny stellate neurons of Layer 4. Anatomical evidence indicates that these cells receive most of their excitatory input from other cortical neurons, including other spiny stellate cells. Although this local network must play an important role in sensory processing, little is known about the properties of the neurons and synapses involved. We have produced a slice preparation of mouse barrel cortex that isolates Layer 4. We report that excitatory interaction between spiny stellate neurons is largely via N- methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and that a given neuron contains more than one type of NMDAR, as distinguished by voltage dependence. Thus, spiny stellate cells act as effective integrators of powerful and persistent NMDAR- mediated recurrent excitation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1055-1065
Number of pages11
JournalNeuron
Volume21
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience (all)

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