Auditory input enhances somatosensory encoding and tactile goal-directed behavior.

ABSTRACT: The capacity of the brain to encode multiple types of sensory input is key to survival. Yet, how neurons integrate information from multiple sensory pathways and to what extent this influences behavior is largely unknown. Using two-photon Ca²⁺ imaging, optogenetics and electrophysiology in vivo and in vitro, we report the influence of auditory input on sensory encoding in the somatosensory cortex and show its impact on goal-directed behavior. Monosynaptic input from the auditory cortex enhanced dendritic and somatic encoding of tactile stimulation in layer 2/3 (L2/3), but not layer 5 (L5), pyramidal neurons in forepaw somatosensory cortex (S1). During a tactile-based goal-directed task, auditory input increased dendritic activity and reduced reaction time, which was abolished by

SUBMITTER: Godenzini L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8302566 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature