Spatial aspects of coding in piriform cortex

University Of Virginia, Charlottesville VA

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The time is approaching when our understanding of mammalian olfactory function will be limited by the gaps in our knowledge of the olfactory cortex. The experiments in this proposal will build on previous work concerning spatial aspects of olfactory coding in rat piriform (olfactory) cortex. Based on existing anatomical and physiological evidence, and on findings from computational models, the working hypothesis is that the spatially ordered representation of odors in the OB is transformed into a broadly structured, spatially-distributed ensemble code in the posterior piriform cortex (PPC) by way of a spatially-complex, hybrid representation in the anterior piriform cortex (APC). Evaluation of this hypothesis will use double-labeling techniques that utilize in situ hybridization of immediate-early gene expression to visualize cells which have been activated by odor stimulation. The Specific Aims will test a series of predictions that relate to spatial aspects of olfactory coding in different subdivisions of the piriform cortex. The results will provide insight into mechanisms that underlie olfactory stimulus coding and discrimination in the mammalian brain. In view of certain advantageous structural features and a putative role in associative memory, the findings for piriform cortex also may provide insight into more general issues of cortical function, including mechanisms for complex pattern recognition, multimodal integration, and learning and memory.