Reversal of interlaminar signal between sensory and memory processing in monkey temporal cortex

Science. 2011 Mar 18;331(6023):1443-7. doi: 10.1126/science.1199967.

Abstract

The primate temporal cortex implements visual long-term memory. However, how its interlaminar circuitry executes cognitive computations is poorly understood. Using linear-array multicontact electrodes, we simultaneously recorded unit activities across cortical layers in the perirhinal cortex of macaques performing a pair-association memory task. Cortical layers were estimated on the basis of current source density profiles with histological verifications, and the interlaminar signal flow was determined with cross-correlation analysis between spike trains. During the cue period, canonical "feed-forward" signals flowed from granular to supragranular layers and from supragranular to infragranular layers. During the delay period, however, the signal flow reversed to the "feed-back" direction: from infragranular to supragranular layers. This reversal of signal flow highlights how the temporal cortex differentially recruits its laminar circuits for sensory and mnemonic processing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Association Learning
  • Cues
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Macaca
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Temporal Lobe / anatomy & histology
  • Temporal Lobe / physiology*
  • Visual Perception*