Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University ›› 2026, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (2): 7-17.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1673-3770.0.2024.601

• Original Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Layer-specific response distribution characteristics of binaural integration neurons in the auditory cortex and synaptic input regulation mechanism

WU Fulian1, JI Xuying2   

  1. 1. Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511300, Guangdong, China2. Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
  • Published:2026-03-26

Abstract: Objective To investigate the response characteristics of neurons in the primary auditory cortex(A1)of mice to pure tone stimuli from different sides of the ear, as well as their excitatory/inhibitory input propertics. Methods Optogenetics combined with in vivo extracellular recordings in awake mice was used to present pure tone stimuli of varying intensities and frequencies, delivered randomly to the contralateral ear, ipsilateral ear, or both ears. In addition, optogenetics together with in vivo brain slice whole-cell recordings was employed to investigate the excitatory and inhibitory input properties of deep-layer neurons and layer 4(L4)neurons in the auditory cortex. Results A1 L4 neurons exhibited a gain effect in response to bilateral ear stimulation, while deep-layer neurons exhibited an inhibitory effect. When L4 excitatory neurons received input from the ipsilateral deep layers, they primarily reveived excitatory input. When A1 deep excitatory neurons reveived input from the contralateral side, they primarily reveived inhibitory input. Conclusion Mouse A1 neurons exhibit distinct response properties to pure tone stimuli from different sides of ear. Neurons in different layers show significant differences in their excitatory/inhibitory input characteristics when receiving inputs from the ipsilateral or contralateral side. These findings provide new insights and theoretical foundations for further understanding the complex binaural integration mechanisms in the auditory cortex.

Key words: Auditory cortex, Excitation/inhibition, Layer response, Pure tone, Optogenetics

CLC Number: 

  • R764.4
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