Arousal and locomotion make distinct contributions to cortical activity patterns and visual encoding

Neuron. 2015 May 6;86(3):740-54. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.03.028. Epub 2015 Apr 16.

Abstract

Spontaneous and sensory-evoked cortical activity is highly state-dependent, yet relatively little is known about transitions between distinct waking states. Patterns of activity in mouse V1 differ dramatically between quiescence and locomotion, but this difference could be explained by either motor feedback or a change in arousal levels. We recorded single cells and local field potentials from area V1 in mice head-fixed on a running wheel and monitored pupil diameter to assay arousal. Using naturally occurring and induced state transitions, we dissociated arousal and locomotion effects in V1. Arousal suppressed spontaneous firing and strongly altered the temporal patterning of population activity. Moreover, heightened arousal increased the signal-to-noise ratio of visual responses and reduced noise correlations. In contrast, increased firing in anticipation of and during movement was attributable to locomotion effects. Our findings suggest complementary roles of arousal and locomotion in promoting functional flexibility in cortical circuits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Animals
  • Arousal*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Fourier Analysis
  • Locomotion / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Pupil / physiology
  • Signal Detection, Psychological / physiology*
  • Visual Cortex / physiology*
  • Visual Pathways / physiology
  • Wakefulness*