Correlating whisker behavior with membrane potential in barrel cortex of awake mice

Nat Neurosci. 2006 May;9(5):608-10. doi: 10.1038/nn1690. Epub 2006 Apr 16.

Abstract

To investigate synaptic events underlying sensory perception, we made whole-cell membrane potential recordings of barrel cortex neurons in awake mice while recording whisker-related behavior. During quiet periods, we recorded slow, large-amplitude membrane potential changes, which switched during whisking to small, fast fluctuations that were correlated with whisker position. Robust subthreshold responses were evoked by passive whisker stimulation during quiet behavior and by active whisker contact with an object.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Fourier Analysis
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Neurons
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Somatosensory Cortex / cytology*
  • Vibrissae / innervation*
  • Wakefulness / physiology*