Networks of coactive neurons in developing layer 1. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Spontaneous neuronal activity plays an important role in the development of cortical circuitry, yet its spatio-temporal dynamics are poorly understood. Cajal-Retzius (CR) neurons in developing layer 1 are necessary for correct cortical lamination and are strategically located to coordinate early circuit activity. To characterize the spontaneous activity of CR and other layer 1 neurons during cortical development, we imaged calcium transients in populations of layer 1 neurons in hemispheres and slices from postnatal rat somato-sensory neocortex. The spontaneous activity in layer 1 had complex spatio-temporal patterns. Groups of non-CR cells showed synchronous activations and formed networks of correlated neurons superimposed in the same territory. Correlated activity among non-CR cells was mediated by a depolarizing effect of GABA and was modulated by glutamate, probably released by CR cells. Our findings demonstrate that developing layer 1 can sustain complex patterns of correlated activity and reveal a circuit mechanism that can mediate this patterned activity.

publication date

  • March 1, 1998

Research

keywords

  • Cerebral Cortex
  • Neurons

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0032031221

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/s0896-6273(00)80993-9

PubMed ID

  • 9539127

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 20

issue

  • 3