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Multi-unit recordings reveal context-dependent modulation of synchrony in odor-specific neural ensembles

Nature Neuroscience volume 3, pages 927–931 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

We used neural ensemble recording to examine odor-evoked ensemble patterns in the moth antennal (olfactory) lobe. Different odors are thought to evoke unique spatiotemporal patterns of glomerular activity, but little is known about the population dynamics underlying formation of these patterns. Using a silicon multielectrode array, we observed dynamic network interactions within and between glomeruli. Whereas brief odor pulses repeatedly triggered activity in the same coding ensemble, the temporal pattern of synchronous activity superimposed on the ensemble was neither oscillatory nor odor specific. Rather, synchrony strongly depended on contextual variables such as odor intensity and intermittency. Also, because of emergent inhibitory circuit interactions, odor blends evoked temporal ensemble patterns that could not be predicted from the responses to the individual odorants. Thus even at this early stage of information processing, the timing of odor-evoked neural representations is modulated by key stimulus factors unrelated to the molecular identity of the odor.

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Figure 1: Ensemble recordings show the dynamics of population responses evoked by odor.
Figure 2: Simultaneous recordings from multiple neurons show functional differences even among closely spaced cells in the ensemble.
Figure 3: Different neurons in olfactory glomeruli can be distinguished by their different discharge patterns.
Figure 4: Odor blends evoked network dynamics that could not be predicted from the responses to the individual odors in the blend.
Figure 5: Time course of odor-evoked coactivity within the ensemble.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to David Anderson and coworkers for providing microprobes and technical support, and we thank Carol Barnes and Bruce McNaughton for advice. We also thank Kevin Daly and Brian Smith for discussions and comments, and Heather Stein and A.A. Osman for technical assistance. Supported by grants and contracts from NIH/NIDCD and DARPA/CBS.

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  1. Division of Neurobiology University of Arizona, Arizona Research Laboratories, PO Box 210077, Tucson, 85721-0077, Arizona, USA

    Thomas A. Christensen, Vincent M. Pawlowski, Hong Lei & John G. Hildebrand

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  1. Thomas A. Christensen
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  2. Vincent M. Pawlowski
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Correspondence to Thomas A. Christensen.

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Christensen, T., Pawlowski, V., Lei, H. et al. Multi-unit recordings reveal context-dependent modulation of synchrony in odor-specific neural ensembles. Nat Neurosci 3, 927–931 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/78840

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