The studies will use cross-correlation analysis to examine neural interactions between the somatosensory thalamus and cortex during controlled cutaneous stimulation. The first experiment will test the hypothesis that thalamocortical cells elicit responses more effectively from middle cortical layers than from supra- or infragranular layers. Laminar differences in thalamocortical efficacy will have an important bearing on hypotheses regarding the sequence of information transmission between cortical layers. A related hypothesis concerns the strength of thalamocortical interactions in the horizontal cortical dimension. Studies will measure changes in this parameter as a function of somatotopic similarity/disparity between the thalamus and cortex. The last set of studies is designed to test the hypothesis that thalamic activity causes recipient cortical areas to inhibit neighboring cortical columns. Finally, in each of the experiments, special attention will be given to detecting the presence of corticothalamic interactions and determining whether these connections function to enhance or inhibit thalamic responsiveness.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
5R29NS029363-04
Application #
2267548
Study Section
Sensory Disorders and Language Study Section (CMS)
Project Start
1991-05-01
Project End
1996-04-30
Budget Start
1994-05-01
Budget End
1995-04-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Pennsylvania State University
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
129348186
City
Hershey
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
17033