Intracortical convergence of layer 6 neurons

Axonal branches from a subset of neurons in cerebral cortical layer 6 innervate both cortical layer 4 and the thalamus. As such, these neurons are poised to modulate thalamocortical transmission at multiple forebrain sites. Here, we examined the functional organization of the layer 6 intracortical projections in auditory, somatosensory, and visual cortical areas using an optogenetic approach to specifically target these neurons. We characterized the anatomical and physiological organization of these projections using laser-scanning photostimulation to functionally map the elicited postsynaptic responses in layer 4. We found that these responses originated from regions over 1 mm in width, eliciting short-term facilitating responses. These results indicate that intracortical modulation of layer 4 occurs through widespread layer 6 projections in each sensory cortical area. NeuroReport 23:736-740 (C) 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.