Anterior claustrum cells are responsive during behavior but not passive sensory stimulation

Preprint

This is in stark contrast to the studies that find visual and auditory activation in the claustrum. Could this mean that task relevant information is actually activating the claustrum? [@2ZMCEY6S#Ollerenshaw_Etal-2021, p. 1]

We find that only a small fraction of cells in the anterior claustrum are responsive to visual or auditory stimuli when delivered under passive yet wakeful conditions. [@2ZMCEY6S#Ollerenshaw_Etal-2021, p. 1]

During tasks such as a visual task the cells in the anterior claustrum are activated more compared to just passive viewing of the stimuli [@2ZMCEY6S#Ollerenshaw_Etal-2021, p. 1]

during a visual behavioral task, the majority of cells in the anterior claustrum are strongly modulated, with separate and spatially intermingled cell populations showing either increases or decreases in activity relative to spontaneous levels. [@2ZMCEY6S#Ollerenshaw_Etal-2021, p. 1]

Transgenic mice were used. Here is more info in the methods:

1. They specifically targeted cells that express the Gnb4 gene (Gnb4+ neurons) in the claustrum. This was done through genetic labeling - meaning they created or used transgenic mice where these particular neurons were modified to express a fluorescent protein or calcium indicator.
2. “Microendoscope imaging” means they used a tiny microscope to observe these labeled neurons in living, behaving mice. This technique allows researchers to see when these neurons are active because the genetic modifications make the cells light up or change fluorescence when they’re firing [@2ZMCEY6S#Ollerenshaw_Etal-2021, p. 1]

Gnb4+ cells in the anterior claustrum do not represent passively presented sensory stimuli; rather, these cells are strongly engaged during behavior associated with sensory-motor transformations. [@2ZMCEY6S#Ollerenshaw_Etal-2021, p. 1]