Cell-specific modulation of plasticity and cortical state by cholinergic inputs to the visual cortex

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2016 Source:Journal of Physiology-Paris Author(s): Hiroki Sugihara, Naiyan Chen, Mriganka Sur Acetylcholine (ACh) modulates diverse vital brain functions. It innervates a wide range of cortical areas, including the primary visual cortex (V1), and multiple cortical cell types have been found to be responsive to ACh. Here we review how different cell types contribute to different cortical functions modulated by ACh. We specifically focus on two major cortical functions: plasticity and cortical state. In layer II/III of V1, ACh acting on astrocytes and somatostatin-expressing inhibitory neurons plays critical roles in these functions. Cell type specificity of cholinergic modulation points towards the growing understanding that even diffuse neurotransmitter systems can mediate specific functions through specific cell classes and receptors.

Source: Journal of Physiology Paris - November 9, 2016 Category: Physiology Source Type: research