| Budget Amount *help |
¥5,200,000 (Direct Cost: ¥4,000,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,200,000)
Fiscal Year 2013: ¥1,560,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥360,000)
Fiscal Year 2012: ¥1,820,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,400,000、Indirect Cost: ¥420,000)
Fiscal Year 2011: ¥1,820,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,400,000、Indirect Cost: ¥420,000)
|
|---|
| Research Abstract |
It is thought that feedback projections from higher areas modulate sensory functions in the neocortex. However, it remains to be elucidated how higher areas modulate functions of the primary areas. To better understand the neural mechanisms, we studied properties of inhibitory projections from higher areas to the primary visual cortex (V1) in mice using transcranial flavoprotein fluorescence imaging. We investigated the functions of the feedback projections by blocking the pathways from the higher areas to V1. The acute blocking experiments indicated the presence of tonic inhibition mediated by the feedback projections. The chronic blockings resulted in a significant reduction of V1 response to grating stimuli with reduced contrasts. Tracer injections to the areas showed the presence of direct and indirect pathways. These observations strongly suggest that feedback inhibitory projections from the areas to V1 can adjust neural responses in V1 for keeping appropriate visual acuity.
|
