Journal of Neurophysiology, Vol 48, Issue 4 1048-1057, Copyright © 1982 by APS
Physiological properties of neurons projecting from area 3a to area 4 gamma of feline cerebral cortex
H. Asanuma, R. S. Waters and H. Yumiya
1. The corticocortical projection from area 3a to area 4 gamma was
restudied using tranquilized cats. 2. Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS)
of a given locus in area 3a produced effects on neurons in area 4 gamma
that were located in a small area extending along the direction of the
radial fibers constituting a columnar shape. 3. Cortical neurons in area 3a
that projected to a particular neuron in area 4 gamma were located in a
region that extended along the direction of the radial fibers and
constituted a columnar shape. 4. Two-thirds of the projection neurons in
area 3a had different receptive fields from those of neurons in the
projected area in 4 gamma, thus suggesting that the 3a neurons are not
simply transferring peripheral information to the 4 gamma neurons. 5. ICMS
delivered to area 3a rarely excited 4 gamma neurons but rather facilitated
their evoked discharges. 6. It is suggested that the activity of
corticocortical projection from area 3a to 4 gamma can influence the
activity of 4 gamma neurons only when combined with other inputs to the
motor cortex.
