Journal of Neurophysiology, Vol 52, Issue 4 638-652, Copyright © 1984 by APS

ARTICLES

Response selectivity of neocortical neurons to specific odors in the rabbit

N. Onoda, K. Imamura, E. Obata and M. Iino

Odor responses of neocortical neurons in rabbits under light pentobarbital anesthesia were studied in a restricted area in the lateral half of the prefrontal cortex close to the frontal pole. A preevent cumulative sum chart provided a visual display of the change in unit discharge rate following each odor stimulation, and critical levels on each chart provided a visual display of statistical significance. The neocortical neurons studied were activated predominantly by biologically significant odors, such as feces, urine, and dry food. Of those same neurons, 90% failed to respond to pure-chemical odors, and no neurons were found that responded to pure-chemical odors alone. Some neurons responded exclusively to one of the animal-product odors. Some odor-sensitive neurons were affected by electrical stimulation of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus. Responses to the animal-product odors were observed after ablation of the trigeminal and/or vomeronasal inputs. The responses to these pheromone-like substances are discussed in the context of a central role for odor-sensitive neocortical neurons in cognitive aspects of discrimination of specific odor patterns in the mammals.

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