Neural variability determines coding strategies for natural self-motion in macaque monkeys.
Elife
; 92020 09 11.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32915134
ABSTRACT
We have previously reported that central neurons mediating vestibulo-spinal reflexes and self-motion perception optimally encode natural self-motion (Mitchell et al., 2018). Importantly however, the vestibular nuclei also comprise other neuronal classes that mediate essential functions such as the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and its adaptation. Here we show that heterogeneities in resting discharge variability mediate a trade-off between faithful encoding and optimal coding via temporal whitening. Specifically, neurons displaying lower variability did not whiten naturalistic self-motion but instead faithfully represented the stimulus' detailed time course, while neurons displaying higher variability displayed temporal whitening. Using a well-established model of VOR pathways, we demonstrate that faithful stimulus encoding is necessary to generate the compensatory eye movements found experimentally during naturalistic self-motion. Our findings suggest a novel functional role for variability toward establishing different coding strategies (1) faithful stimulus encoding for generating the VOR; (2) optimized coding via temporal whitening for other vestibular functions.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Reflexo Vestíbulo-Ocular
/
Núcleos Vestibulares
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Movimentos da Cabeça
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Movimentos Oculares
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Neurônios
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Elife
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article