Centre-surround inhibition among olfactory bulb glomeruli

Amplification of olfactory transduction currents implements sparse stimulus encoding

Sensory systems must perform the dual and opposing tasks of being sensitive to weak stimuli while also maintaining information content in dense and variable sensory landscapes. This occurs in the olfactory system, where OSNs are highly sensitive to low concentrations of odors and maintain discriminability in complex odor environments. How olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) maintain both sensitivity and sparsity is not well understood. Here, we investigated whether the calcium-activated chloride channel, TMEM16B, may support these dual roles in OSNs. We used multiphoton microscopy to image the stimulus-response density of OSNs in the olfactory epithelium. In TMEM16B knockout mice, we found that sensory representations were denser, and the magnitude of OSN responses was increased. Behaviorally, these changes in sensory representations were associated with an increased aversion to the odorant trimethylamine, which switches perceptual valence as its concentration increases, and a decreased efficiency of olfactory-guided navigation. Together, our results indicate that the calcium-activated chloride channel TMEM16B sparsens sensory representations in the peripheral olfactory system and contributes to efficient integrative olfactory-guided behaviors.

Imaging different cell populations in the mouse olfactory bulb using the genetically encoded voltage indicator ArcLight

Genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) are protein-based optical sensors that allow for measurements from genetically defined populations of neurons. Although in vivo imaging in the mammalian brain with early generation GEVIs was difficult due to poor membrane expression and low signal-to-noise ratio, newer and more sensitive GEVIs have begun to make them useful for answering fundamental questions in neuroscience. We discuss principles of imaging using GEVIs and genetically encoded calcium indicators, both useful tools for in vivo imaging of neuronal activity, and review some of the recent mechanistic advances that have led to GEVI improvements. We provide an overview of the mouse olfactory bulb (OB) and discuss recent studies using the GEVI ArcLight to study different cell types within the bulb using both widefield and two-photon microscopy. Specific emphasis is placed on using GEVIs to begin to study the principles of concentration coding in the OB, how to interpret the optical signals from population measurements in the in vivo brain, and future developments that will push the field forward.

Synthetic surprise as the foundation of the psychedelic experience

Psychedelic agents, such as LSD and psilocybin, induce marked alterations in consciousness via activation of the 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2ARs). We hypothesize that psychedelics enforce a state of synthetic surprise through the biased activation of the 5-HTRs system. This idea is informed by recent insights into the role of 5-HT in signaling surprise. The effects on consciousness, explained by the cognitive penetrability of perception, can be described within the predictive coding framework where surprise corresponds to prediction error, the mismatch between predictions and actual sensory input. Crucially, the precision afforded to the prediction error determines its effect on priors, enabling a dynamic interaction between top-down expectations and incoming sensory data. By integrating recent findings on predictive coding circuitry and 5-HT2ARs transcriptomic data, we propose a biological implementation with emphasis on the role of inhibitory interneurons. Implications arise for the clinical use of psychedelics, which may rely primarily on their inherent capacity to induce surprise in order to disrupt maladaptive patterns.

Interactions between specialized gain control mechanisms in olfactory processing

Gain control is a process that adjusts a system's sensitivity when input levels change. Neural systems contain multiple mechanisms of gain control, but we do not understand why so many mechanisms are needed or how they interact. Here, we investigate these questions in the Drosophila antennal lobe, where we identify several types of inhibitory interneurons with specialized gain control functions. We find that some interneurons are nonspiking, with compartmentalized calcium signals, and they specialize in intra-glomerular gain control. Conversely, we find that other interneurons are recruited by strong and widespread network input; they specialize in global presynaptic gain control. Using computational modeling and optogenetic perturbations, we show how these mechanisms can work together to improve stimulus discrimination while also minimizing temporal distortions in network activity. Our results demonstrate how the robustness of neural network function can be increased by interactions among diverse and specialized mechanisms of gain control.

Amelioration of olfactory dysfunction in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease via enhancing GABAergic signaling

BACKGROUND

Olfactory dysfunction is among the earliest non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). As the foremost pathological hallmark, α-synuclein initiates the pathology in the olfactory pathway at the early stage of PD, particularly in the olfactory epithelium (OE) and olfactory bulb (OB). However, the local neural microcircuit mechanisms underlying olfactory dysfunction between OE and OB in early PD remain unknown.

RESULTS

We observed that odor detection and discrimination were impaired in 6-month-old SNCA-A53T mice, while their motor ability remained unaffected. It was confirmed that α-synuclein increased and accumulated in OB but not in OE. Notably, the hyperactivity of mitral/tufted cells and the excitation/inhibition imbalance in OB were found in 6-month-old SNCA-A53T mice, which was attributed to the impaired GABAergic transmission and aberrant expression of GABA transporter 1 and vesicular GABA transporter in OB. We further showed that tiagabine, a potent and selective GABA reuptake inhibitor, could reverse the impaired olfactory function and GABAergic signaling in OB of SNCA-A53T mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our findings demonstrate potential synaptic mechanisms of local neural microcircuit underlying olfactory dysfunction at the early stage of PD. These results highlight the critical role of aberrant GABAergic signaling of OB in early diagnosis and provide a potential therapeutic strategy for early-stage PD.

Surround suppression in mouse auditory cortex underlies auditory edge detection

Surround suppression (SS) is a fundamental property of sensory processing throughout the brain. In the auditory system, the early processing stream encodes sounds using a one dimensional physical space-frequency. Previous studies in the auditory system have shown SS to manifest as bandwidth tuning around the preferred frequency. We asked whether bandwidth tuning can be found around frequencies away from the preferred frequency. We exploited the simplicity of spectral representation of sounds to study SS by manipulating both sound frequency and bandwidth. We recorded single unit spiking activity from the auditory cortex (ACx) of awake mice in response to an array of broadband stimuli with varying central frequencies and bandwidths. Our recordings revealed that a significant portion of neuronal response profiles had a preferred bandwidth that varied in a regular way with the sound's central frequency. To gain insight into the possible mechanism underlying these responses, we modelled neuronal activity using a variation of the "Mexican hat" function often used to model SS. The model accounted for response properties of single neurons with high accuracy. Our data and model show that these responses in ACx obey simple rules resulting from the presence of lateral inhibitory sidebands, mostly above the excitatory band of the neuron, that result in sensitivity to the location of top frequency edges, invariant to other spectral attributes. Our work offers a simple explanation for auditory edge detection and possibly other computations of spectral content in sounds.

Nonspiking Interneurons in the Drosophila Antennal Lobe Exhibit Spatially Restricted Activity

Inhibitory interneurons are important for neuronal circuit function. They regulate sensory inputs and enhance output discriminability (Olsen and Wilson, 2008; Root et al., 2008; Olsen et al., 2010). Often, the identities of interneurons can be determined by location and morphology, which can have implications for their functions (Wachowiak and Shipley, 2006). While most interneurons fire traditional action potentials, many are nonspiking. These can be seen in insect olfaction (Laurent and Davidowitz, 1994; Husch et al., 2009; Tabuchi et al., 2015) and the vertebrate retina (Gleason et al., 1993). Here, we present the novel observation of nonspiking inhibitory interneurons in the antennal lobe (AL) of the adult fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster These neurons have a morphology where they innervate a patchwork of glomeruli. We used electrophysiology to determine whether their nonspiking characteristic is because of a lack of sodium current. We then used immunohistochemsitry and in situ hybridization to show this is likely achieved through translational regulation of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene, para Using in vivo calcium imaging, we explored how these cells respond to odors, finding regional isolation in their responses' spatial patterns. Further, their response patterns were dependent on both odor identity and concentration. Thus, we surmise these neurons are electrotonically compartmentalized such that activation of the neurites in one region does not propagate across the whole antennal lobe. We propose these neurons may be the source of intraglomerular inhibition in the AL and may contribute to regulation of spontaneous activity within glomeruli.

Clinical utilization of fast-acting sub-perception therapy (FAST) in SCS-implanted patients for treatment of mixed pain

Objectives

A significant proportion of patients with chronic pain exhibit mixed pain and thus do not display symptoms exclusively associated with either nociceptive or neuropathic pain syndromes. We aimed to explore whether Fast-Acting Sub-Perception Therapy, FAST - a new Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)-based approach capable of inducing a rapid-onset of analgesia using electrical neurostimulation applied below patient-perception threshold - could potentially be useful as a treatment for chronic mixed pain.

Methods

Fourteen consecutively-enrolled patients diagnosed with chronic mixed pain and implanted with an SCS device were enrolled in this single-center case-series. All patients completed a validated, self-administered painDETECT questionnaire prior to SCS-device implantation (baseline). The painDETECT questionnaire was used to characterize each patient's chronic pain as likely neuropathic only, uncertain (but potential for presence of a non-neuropathic component), or likely presence of a non-neuropathic component. Overall pain scores (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Quality-of-life (EQ-5D-5L) were collected (per standard-of-care) at baseline, 3-months, and 6-months post-implantation.

Results

The average age of those assessed in this study was 64.7 ​± ​11.5 (SD) years and 43% (6/14) were female. Fifty-percent (7/14) of patients were classified with non-neuropathic pain (painDETECT), while the remainder exhibited chronic pain that could not be characterized as either neuropathic or non-neuropathic (uncertain). Mean overall pain (NRS) among all patients was 8.3 ​± ​0.3 (SE) at baseline. At 6-months post-implant, a mean 6.9-points NRS score reduction was observed (1.4 ​± ​0.3 (SE); p ​< ​0.0001). Notable improvements in disability (ODI) and Quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L) were also observed at 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions

The data from this observational case-series indicate that FAST-SCS can improve outcomes in patients reporting complex symptoms of mixed pain with a likely non-neuropathic component. These results suggest that neurostimulation modalities such as FAST may be a suitable treatment approach for non-neuropathic pain indications.

Parallel encoding of CO2 in attractive and aversive glomeruli by selective lateral signaling between olfactory afferents

We describe a novel form of selective crosstalk between specific classes of primary olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in the Drosophila antennal lobe. Neurotransmitter release from ORNs is driven by two distinct sources of excitation: direct activity derived from the odorant receptor and stimulus-selective lateral signals originating from stereotypic subsets of other ORNs. Consequently, the level of presynaptic neurotransmitter release from an ORN can be significantly dissociated from its firing rate. Stimulus-selective lateral signaling results in the distributed representation of CO2-a behaviorally important environmental cue that directly excites a single ORN class-in multiple olfactory glomeruli, each with distinct response dynamics. CO2-sensitive glomeruli coupled to behavioral attraction respond preferentially to fast changes in CO2 concentration, whereas those coupled to behavioral aversion more closely follow absolute levels of CO2. Behavioral responses to CO2 also depend on the temporal structure of the stimulus: flies walk upwind to fluctuating, but not sustained, pulses of CO2. Stimulus-selective lateral signaling generalizes to additional odors and glomeruli, revealing a subnetwork of lateral interactions between ORNs that reshapes the spatial and temporal structure of odor representations in a stimulus-specific manner.

Higher-order olfactory neurons in the lateral horn support odor valence and odor identity coding in Drosophila

Understanding neuronal representations of odor-evoked activities and their progressive transformation from the sensory level to higher brain centers features one of the major aims in olfactory neuroscience. Here, we investigated how odor information is transformed and represented in higher-order neurons of the lateral horn, one of the higher olfactory centers implicated in determining innate behavior, using Drosophila melanogaster. We focused on a subset of third-order glutamatergic lateral horn neurons (LHNs) and characterized their odor coding properties in relation to their presynaptic partner neurons, the projection neurons (PNs) by two-photon functional imaging. We show that odors evoke reproducible, stereotypic, and odor-specific response patterns in LHNs. Notably, odor-evoked responses in these neurons are valence-specific in a way that their response amplitude is positively correlated with innate odor preferences. We postulate that this valence-specific activity is the result of integrating inputs from multiple olfactory channels through second-order neurons. GRASP and micro-lesioning experiments provide evidence that glutamatergic LHNs obtain their major excitatory input from uniglomerular PNs, while they receive an odor-specific inhibition through inhibitory multiglomerular PNs. In summary, our study indicates that odor representations in glutamatergic LHNs encode hedonic valence and odor identity and primarily retain the odor coding properties of second-order neurons.

Coupling of Mouse Olfactory Bulb Projection Neurons to Fluctuating Odor Pulses

Odors are transported by turbulent air currents, creating complex temporal fluctuations in odor concentration that provide a potentially informative stimulus dimension. We have shown that mice are able to discriminate odor stimuli based on their temporal structure, indicating that information contained in the temporal structure of odor plumes can be extracted by the mouse olfactory system. Here, using in vivo extracellular and intracellular electrophysiological recordings, we show that mitral cells (MCs) and tufted cells (TCs) of the male C57BL/6 mouse olfactory bulb can encode the dominant temporal frequencies present in odor stimuli up to at least 20 Hz. A substantial population of cell-odor pairs showed significant coupling of their subthreshold membrane potential with the odor stimulus at both 2 Hz (29/70) and the suprasniff frequency 20 Hz (24/70). Furthermore, mitral/tufted cells (M/TCs) show differential coupling of their membrane potential to odor concentration fluctuations with tufted cells coupling more strongly for the 20 Hz stimulation. Frequency coupling was always observed to be invariant to odor identity, and M/TCs that coupled well to a mixture also coupled to at least one of the components of the mixture. Interestingly, pharmacological blocking of the inhibitory circuitry strongly modulated frequency coupling of cell-odor pairs at both 2 Hz (10/15) and 20 Hz (9/15). These results provide insight into how both cellular and circuit properties contribute to the encoding of temporal odor features in the mouse olfactory bulb.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Odors in the natural environment have a strong temporal structure that can be extracted and used by mice in their behavior. Here, using in vivo extracellular and intracellular electrophysiological techniques, we show that the projection neurons in the olfactory bulb can encode and couple to the dominant frequency present in an odor stimulus. Furthermore, frequency coupling was observed to be differential between mitral and tufted cells and was odor invariant but strongly modulated by local inhibitory circuits. In summary, this study provides insight into how both cellular and circuit properties modulate encoding of odor temporal features in the mouse olfactory bulb.

VIP interneurons regulate olfactory bulb output and contribute to odor detection and discrimination

In the olfactory bulb (OB), olfactory information represented by mitral/tufted cells (M/Ts) is extensively modulated by local inhibitory interneurons before being transmitted to the olfactory cortex. While the crucial roles of cortical vasoactive-intestinal-peptide-expressing (VIP) interneurons have been extensively studied, their precise function in the OB remains elusive. Here, we identify the synaptic connectivity of VIP interneurons onto mitral cells (MCs) and demonstrate their important role in olfactory behaviors. Optogenetic activation of VIP interneurons reduced both spontaneous and odor-evoked activity of M/Ts in awake mice. Whole-cell recordings revealed that VIP interneurons decrease MC firing through direct inhibitory synaptic connections with MCs. Furthermore, inactivation of VIP interneurons leads to increased MC firing and impaired olfactory detection and odor discrimination. Therefore, our results demonstrate that VIP interneurons control OB output and play critical roles in odor processing and olfactory behaviors.

Neurotransmitter regulation rather than cell-intrinsic properties shapes the high-pass filtering properties of olfactory bulb glomeruli

GABAergic periglomerular (PG) cells in the olfactory bulb are proposed to mediate an intraglomerular 'high-pass' filter through inhibition targeted onto a glomerulus. With this mechanism, weak stimuli (e.g. an odour with a low affinity for an odourant receptor) mainly produce PG cell-driven inhibition but strong stimuli generate enough excitation to overcome inhibition. PG cells may be particularly susceptible to being activated by weak stimuli due to their intrinsically small size and high input resistance. Here, we used dual-cell patch-clamp recordings and imaging methods in bulb slices obtained from wild-type and transgenic rats with labelled GABAergic cells to test a number of predictions of the high-pass filtering model. We first directly compared the responsiveness of PG cells with that of external tufted cells (eTCs), which are a class of excitatory cells that reside in a parallel but opposing position in the glomerular circuitry. PG cells were in fact found to be no more responsive than eTCs at low levels of sensory neuron activity. While PG cells required smaller currents to be excited, this advantage was offset by the fact that a given level of sensory neuron activity produced much smaller synaptic currents. We did, however, identify other factors that shaped the excitation/inhibition balance in a manner that would support a high-pass filter, including glial glutamate transporters and presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors. We conclude that a single glomerulus may act as a high-pass filter to enhance the contrast between different olfactory stimuli through mechanisms that are largely independent cell-intrinsic properties. KEY POINTS: GABAergic periglomerular (PG) cells in the olfactory bulb are proposed to mediate a 'high-pass' filter at a single glomerulus that selectively blocks weak stimulus signals. Their efficacy may reflect their intrinsically small size and high input resistance, which allows them to be easily excited. It was found that PG cells were in fact no more likely to be activated by weak stimuli than excitatory neurons. PG cells fired action potentials more readily in response to a fixed current input, but this advantage for excitability was offset by small synaptic currents. Glomeruli nevertheless display an excitation/inhibition balance that can support a high-pass filter, shifting from unfavourable to favourable with increasing stimulus strength. Factors shaping the filter include glial glutamate transporters and presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors. It is concluded that a single glomerulus may act as a high-pass filter to enhance stimulus contrast through mechanisms that are largely independent of cell-intrinsic properties.

Paradoxical relationship between speed and accuracy in olfactory figure-background segregation

In natural settings, many stimuli impinge on our sensory organs simultaneously. Parsing these sensory stimuli into perceptual objects is a fundamental task faced by all sensory systems. Similar to other sensory modalities, increased odor backgrounds decrease the detectability of target odors by the olfactory system. The mechanisms by which background odors interfere with the detection and identification of target odors are unknown. Here we utilized the framework of the Drift Diffusion Model (DDM) to consider possible interference mechanisms in an odor detection task. We first considered pure effects of background odors on either signal or noise in the decision-making dynamics and showed that these produce different predictions about decision accuracy and speed. To test these predictions, we trained mice to detect target odors that are embedded in random background mixtures in a two-alternative choice task. In this task, the inter-trial interval was independent of behavioral reaction times to avoid motivating rapid responses. We found that increased backgrounds reduce mouse performance but paradoxically also decrease reaction times, suggesting that noise in the decision making process is increased by backgrounds. We further assessed the contributions of background effects on both noise and signal by fitting the DDM to the behavioral data. The models showed that background odors affect both the signal and the noise, but that the paradoxical relationship between trial difficulty and reaction time is caused by the added noise.

Sensory systems are constantly stimulated by signals from many objects in the environment. Segmentation of important signals from the cluttered background is therefore a task that is faced by all sensory systems. For many mammalians, the sense of smell is the primary sense that guides many daily behaviors. As such, the olfactory system must be able to detect and identify odors of interest against varying and dynamic backgrounds. Here we studied how background odors interfere with the detection of target odors. We trained mice on a task in which they are presented with odor mixtures and are required to report whether they include either of two target odors. We analyze the behavioral data using a common model of sensory-guided decision-making—the drift-diffusion-model. In this model, decisions are influenced by two elements: a drift which is the signal produced by the stimulus, and noise. We show that the addition of background odors has a dual effect—a reduction in the drift, as well as an increase in the noise. The increased noise also causes more rapid decisions, thereby producing a paradoxical relationship between trial difficulty and decision speed; mice make faster decisions on more difficult trials.

Unraveling the Role of Dopaminergic and Calretinin Interneurons in the Olfactory Bulb

The perception and discriminating of odors are sensory activities that are an integral part of our daily life. The first brain region where odors are processed is the olfactory bulb (OB). Among the different cell populations that make up this brain area, interneurons play an essential role in this sensory activity. Moreover, probably because of their activity, they represent an exception compared to other parts of the brain, since OB interneurons are continuously generated in the postnatal and adult period. In this review, we will focus on periglomerular (PG) cells which are a class of interneurons found in the glomerular layer of the OB. These interneurons can be classified into distinct subtypes based on their neurochemical nature, based on the neurotransmitter and calcium-binding proteins expressed by these cells. Dopaminergic (DA) periglomerular cells and calretinin (CR) cells are among the newly generated interneurons and play an important role in the physiology of OB. In the OB, DA cells are involved in the processing of odors and the adaptation of the bulbar network to external conditions. The main role of DA cells in OB appears to be the inhibition of glutamate release from olfactory sensory fibers. Calretinin cells are probably the best morphologically characterized interneurons among PG cells in OB, but little is known about their function except for their inhibitory effect on noisy random excitatory signals arriving at the main neurons. In this review, we will mainly describe the electrophysiological properties related to the excitability profiles of DA and CR cells, with a particular view on the differences that characterize DA mature interneurons from cells in different stages of adult neurogenesis.

Task-specific roles of local interneurons for inter- and intraglomerular signaling in the insect antennal lobe

Local interneurons (LNs) mediate complex interactions within the antennal lobe, the primary olfactory system of insects, and the functional analog of the vertebrate olfactory bulb. In the cockroach Periplaneta americana, as in other insects, several types of LNs with distinctive physiological and morphological properties can be defined. Here, we combined whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and Ca²⁺ imaging of individual LNs to analyze the role of spiking and nonspiking LNs in inter- and intraglomerular signaling during olfactory information processing. Spiking GABAergic LNs reacted to odorant stimulation with a uniform rise in [Ca²⁺]_i in the ramifications of all innervated glomeruli. In contrast, in nonspiking LNs, glomerular Ca²⁺ signals were odorant specific and varied between glomeruli, resulting in distinct, glomerulus-specific tuning curves. The cell type-specific differences in Ca²⁺ dynamics support the idea that spiking LNs play a primary role in interglomerular signaling, while they assign nonspiking LNs an essential role in intraglomerular signaling.

Principles of odor coding in vertebrates and artificial chemosensory systems

The biological olfactory system is the sensory system responsible for the detection of the chemical composition of the environment. Several attempts to mimic biological olfactory systems have led to various artificial olfactory systems using different technical approaches. Here we provide a parallel description of biological olfactory systems and their technical counterparts. We start with a presentation of the input to the systems, the stimuli, and treat the interface between the external world and the environment where receptor neurons or artificial chemosensors reside. We then delineate the functions of receptor neurons and chemosensors as well as their overall I-O relationships. Up to this point, our account of the systems goes along similar lines. The next processing steps differ considerably: while in biology the processing step following the receptor neurons is the "integration" and "processing" of receptor neuron outputs in the olfactory bulb, this step has various realizations in electronic noses. For a long period of time, the signal processing stages beyond the olfactory bulb, i.e., the higher olfactory centers were little studied. Only recently there has been a marked growth of studies tackling the information processing in these centers. In electronic noses, a third stage of processing has virtually never been considered. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge of both fields and, for the first time, attempt to tie them together. We hope it will be a breeding ground for better information, communication, and data exchange between very related but so far little connected fields.

Modulation of Neural Microcircuits That Control Complex Dynamics in Olfactory Networks

Neuromodulation influences neuronal processing, conferring neuronal circuits the flexibility to integrate sensory inputs with behavioral states and the ability to adapt to a continuously changing environment. In this original research report, we broadly discuss the basis of neuromodulation that is known to regulate intrinsic firing activity, synaptic communication, and voltage-dependent channels in the olfactory bulb. Because the olfactory system is positioned to integrate sensory inputs with information regarding the internal chemical and behavioral state of an animal, how olfactory information is modulated provides flexibility in coding and behavioral output. Herein we discuss how neuronal microcircuits control complex dynamics of the olfactory networks by homing in on a special class of local interneurons as an example. While receptors for neuromodulation and metabolic peptides are widely expressed in the olfactory circuitry, centrifugal serotonergic and cholinergic inputs modulate glomerular activity and are involved in odor investigation and odor-dependent learning. Little is known about how metabolic peptides and neuromodulators control specific neuronal subpopulations. There is a microcircuit between mitral cells and interneurons that is comprised of deep-short-axon cells in the granule cell layer. These local interneurons express pre-pro-glucagon (PPG) and regulate mitral cell activity, but it is unknown what initiates this type of regulation. Our study investigates the means by which PPG neurons could be recruited by classical neuromodulators and hormonal peptides. We found that two gut hormones, leptin and cholecystokinin, differentially modulate PPG neurons. Cholecystokinin reduces or increases spike frequency, suggesting a heterogeneous signaling pathway in different PPG neurons, while leptin does not affect PPG neuronal firing. Acetylcholine modulates PPG neurons by increasing the spike frequency and eliciting bursts of action potentials, while serotonin does not affect PPG neuron excitability. The mechanisms behind this diverse modulation are not known, however, these results clearly indicate a complex interplay of metabolic signaling molecules and neuromodulators that may fine-tune neuronal microcircuits.

An Evolutionary Microcircuit Approach to the Neural Basis of High Dimensional Sensory Processing in Olfaction

Odor stimuli consist of thousands of possible molecules, each molecule with many different properties, each property a dimension of the stimulus. Processing these high dimensional stimuli would appear to require many stages in the brain to reach odor perception, yet, in mammals, after the sensory receptors this is accomplished through only two regions, the olfactory bulb and olfactory cortex. We take a first step toward a fundamental understanding by identifying the sequence of local operations carried out by microcircuits in the pathway. Parallel research provided strong evidence that processed odor information is spatial representations of odor molecules that constitute odor images in the olfactory bulb and odor objects in olfactory cortex. Paleontology provides a unique advantage with evolutionary insights providing evidence that the basic architecture of the olfactory pathway almost from the start ∼330 million years ago (mya) has included an overwhelming input from olfactory sensory neurons combined with a large olfactory bulb and olfactory cortex to process that input, driven by olfactory receptor gene duplications. We identify a sequence of over 20 microcircuits that are involved, and expand on results of research on several microcircuits that give the best insights thus far into the nature of the high dimensional processing.

Impaired olfactory neurogenesis affects the performance of olfactory-guided behavior in aged female opossums

Increasing evidence has indicated that adult neurogenesis contributes to brain plasticity, although function of new neurons is still under debate. In opossums, we performed an olfactory-guided behavior task and examined the association between olfactory discrimination-guided behavior and adult neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb (OB). We found that young and aged opossums of either sex learned to find food buried in litter using olfactory cues. However, aged females required more time to find food compared to aged males and young opossums of both sexes. The levels of doublecortin, that is used as a marker for immature neurons, were the lowest in the OB of aged female opossums. Another protein, HuD that is associated with learning and memory, was detected in all layers of the OB, except the granule cell layer, where a high density of DCX cells was detected. The level of HuD was higher in aged opossums compared to young opossums. This indicates that HuD is involved in plasticity and negatively regulates olfactory perception. The majority of 2-year-old female opossums are in the post-reproductive age but males of this age are still sexually active. We suggest that in aged female opossums neural plasticity induced by adult neurogenesis decreases due to their hormonal decline.

Topographic organization in the olfactory bulb

The ability of the olfactory system to detect and discriminate a broad spectrum of odor molecules with extraordinary sensitivity relies on a wide range of odorant receptors and on the distinct architecture of neuronal circuits in olfactory brain areas. More than 1000 odorant receptors, distributed almost randomly in the olfactory epithelium, are plotted out in two mirror-symmetric maps of glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, the first relay station of the olfactory system. How does such a precise spatial arrangement of glomeruli emerge from a random distribution of receptor neurons? Remarkably, the identity of odorant receptors defines not only the molecular receptive range of sensory neurons but also their glomerular target. Despite their key role, odorant receptors are not the only determinant, since the specificity of neuronal connections emerges from a complex interplay between several molecular cues and electrical activity. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms underlying olfactory circuit formation. In particular, recent findings on the role of odorant receptors in regulating axon targeting and of spontaneous activity in the development and maintenance of synaptic connections are discussed.

Olfactory bulb granule cells: specialized to link coactive glomerular columns for percept generation and discrimination of odors

The role of granule cells in olfactory processing is surrounded by several enigmatic observations, such as the purpose of reciprocal spines and the mechanisms for GABA release, the apparently low firing activity and recurrent inhibitory drive of granule cells, the missing proof for functional reciprocal connectivity, and the apparently negligible contribution to lateral inhibition. Here, we summarize recent results with regard to both the mechanisms of GABA release and the behavioral relevance of granule cell activity during odor discrimination. We outline a novel hypothesis that has the potential to resolve most of these enigmas and allows further predictions on the function of granule cells in odor processing. Briefly, recent findings imply that GABA release from the reciprocal spine requires a local spine action potential and the cooperative action of NMDA receptors and high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. Thus, lateral inhibition is conditional on activity in the principal neurons connected to a granule cell and tightly intertwined with recurrent inhibition. This notion allows us to infer that lateral inhibition between principal neurons occurs "on demand," i.e., selectively on coactive mitral and tufted cells, and thus can provide directed, dynamically switched lateral inhibition in a sensory system with 1000 input channels organized in glomerular columns. The mechanistic underpinnings of this hypothesis concur with findings from odor discrimination behavior in mice with synaptic proteins deleted in granule cells. In summary, our hypothesis explains the unusual microcircuit of the granule cell reciprocal spine as a means of olfactory combinatorial coding.

Olfactory Dysfunction in Huntington's Disease

Olfactory dysfunction is a common symptom in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's disease (HD). Understanding its pathophysiology is important in establishing a preventive and therapeutic plan. In this literature review, we cover the physiology of olfaction, its role in neurodegeneration, and its characteristics in patients with HD. In the general population, olfactory dysfunction is present in 3.8-5.8%and the prevalence increases significantly in those older than 80 years. For HD, data regarding prevalence rates are lacking and the scales used have been inconsistent or have been restructured due to concerns about cross-cultural understanding. Pathogenic huntingtin deposits have been found in the olfactory bulb of individuals with HD, although no studies have correlated this with the grade of olfactory impairment. Olfactory dysfunction is present in both premanifest and manifest patients with HD, showing a progressive decline over time with more severe deficits at advanced stages. No specific treatment for olfactory impairment in HD has been proposed; identifying and avoiding potential medications that cause olfactory dysfunction, as well as general safety recommendations remain the basis of the therapeutic strategy.

Mixture Coding and Segmentation in the Anterior Piriform Cortex

Coding of odorous stimuli has been mostly studied using single isolated stimuli. However, a single sniff of air in a natural environment is likely to introduce airborne chemicals emitted by multiple objects into the nose. The olfactory system is therefore faced with the task of segmenting odor mixtures to identify objects in the presence of rich and often unpredictable backgrounds. The piriform cortex is thought to be the site of object recognition and scene segmentation, yet the nature of its responses to odorant mixtures is largely unknown. In this study, we asked two related questions. (1) How are mixtures represented in the piriform cortex? And (2) Can the identity of individual mixture components be read out from mixture representations in the piriform cortex? To answer these questions, we recorded single unit activity in the piriform cortex of naïve mice while sequentially presenting single odorants and their mixtures. We find that a normalization model explains mixture responses well, both at the single neuron, and at the population level. Additionally, we show that mixture components can be identified from piriform cortical activity by pooling responses of a small population of neurons-in many cases a single neuron is sufficient. These results indicate that piriform cortical representations are well suited to perform figure-background segmentation without the need for learning.

Neuronal architecture of the second-order CO2 pathway in the brain of a noctuid moth

Many insects possess the ability to detect fine fluctuations in the environmental CO₂ concentration. In herbivorous species, plant-emitted CO₂, in combination with other sensory cues, affect many behaviors including foraging and oviposition. In contrast to the comprehensive knowledge obtained on the insect olfactory pathway in recent years, we still know little about the central CO₂ system. By utilizing intracellular labeling and mass staining, we report the neuroanatomy of projection neurons connected with the CO₂ sensitive antennal-lobe glomerulus, the labial pit organ glomerulus (LPOG), in the noctuid moth, Helicoverpa armigera. We identified 15 individual LPOG projection neurons passing along different tracts. Most of these uniglomerular neurons terminated in the lateral horn, a previously well-described target area of plant-odor projection neurons originating from the numerous ordinary antennal-lobe glomeruli. The other higher-order processing area for odor information, the calyces, on the other hand, was weakly innervated by the LPOG neurons. The overlapping LPOG terminals in the lateral horn, which is considered important for innate behavior in insects, suggests the biological importance of integrating the CO₂ input with plant odor information while the weak innervation of the calyces indicates the insignificance of this ubiquitous cue for learning mechanisms.

Improved Separation of Odor Responses in Granule Cells of the Olfactory Bulb During Odor Discrimination Learning

In the olfactory bulb, olfactory information is translated into ensemble representations by mitral/tufted cells, and these representations change dynamically in a context-dependent manner. In particular, odor representations in mitral/tufted cells display pattern separation during odor discrimination learning. Although granule cells provide major inhibitory input to mitral/tufted cells and play an important role in pattern separation and olfactory learning, the dynamics of odor responses in granule cells during odor discrimination learning remain largely unknown. Here, we studied odor responses in granule cells of the olfactory bulb using fiber photometry recordings in awake behaving mice. We found that odors evoked reliable, excitatory responses in the granule cell population. Intriguingly, during odor discrimination learning, odor responses in granule cells exhibited improved separation and contained information about odor value. In conclusion, we show that granule cells in the olfactory bulb display learning-related plasticity, suggesting that they may mediate pattern separation in mitral/tufted cells.

The Grueneberg ganglion controls odor-driven food choices in mice under threat

The ability to efficiently search for food is fundamental for animal survival. Olfactory messages are used to find food while being aware of the impending risk of predation. How these different olfactory clues are combined to optimize decision-making concerning food selection remains elusive. Here, we find that chemical danger cues drive the food selection in mice via the activation of a specific olfactory subsystem, the Grueneberg ganglion (GG). We show that a functional GG is required to decipher the threatening quality of an unfamiliar food. We also find that the increase in corticosterone, which is GG-dependent, enhances safe food preference acquired during social transmission. Moreover, we demonstrate that memory retrieval for food preference can be extinguished by activation of the GG circuitry. Our findings reveal a key function played by the GG in controlling contextual food responses and illustrate how mammalian organisms integrate environmental chemical stress to optimize decision-making.

Julien Brechbühl et al. show that the Grueneberg ganglion olfactory subsystem is necessary for deciphering the threatening or safe qualities of unfamiliar food based on olfactory or social signals, respectively, in mice. These results highlight the role of this subsystem in optimizing decision-making strategies related to food preference by integrating environmental cues.

A Systematic Framework for Olfactory Bulb Signal Transformations

We describe an integrated theory of olfactory systems operation that incorporates experimental findings across scales, stages, and methods of analysis into a common framework. In particular, we consider the multiple stages of olfactory signal processing as a collective system, in which each stage samples selectively from its antecedents. We propose that, following the signal conditioning operations of the nasal epithelium and glomerular-layer circuitry, the plastic external plexiform layer of the olfactory bulb effects a process of category learning-the basis for extracting meaningful, quasi-discrete odor representations from the metric space of undifferentiated olfactory quality. Moreover, this early categorization process also resolves the foundational problem of how odors of interest can be recognized in the presence of strong competitive interference from simultaneously encountered background odorants. This problem is fundamentally constraining on early-stage olfactory encoding strategies and must be resolved if these strategies and their underlying mechanisms are to be understood. Multiscale general theories of olfactory systems operation are essential in order to leverage the analytical advantages of engineered approaches together with our expanding capacity to interrogate biological systems.

Illuminating and Sniffing Out the Neuromodulatory Roles of Dopamine in the Retina and Olfactory Bulb

In the central nervous system, dopamine is well-known as the neuromodulator that is involved with regulating reward, addiction, motivation, and fine motor control. Yet, decades of findings are revealing another crucial function of dopamine: modulating sensory systems. Dopamine is endogenous to subsets of neurons in the retina and olfactory bulb (OB), where it sharpens sensory processing of visual and olfactory information. For example, dopamine modulation allows the neural circuity in the retina to transition from processing dim light to daylight and the neural circuity in the OB to regulate odor discrimination and detection. Dopamine accomplishes these tasks through numerous, complex mechanisms in both neural structures. In this review, we provide an overview of the established and emerging research on these mechanisms and describe similarities and differences in dopamine expression and modulation of synaptic transmission in the retinas and OBs of various vertebrate organisms. This includes discussion of dopamine neurons’ morphologies, potential identities, and biophysical properties along with their contributions to circadian rhythms and stimulus-driven synthesis, activation, and release of dopamine. As dysregulation of some of these mechanisms may occur in patients with Parkinson’s disease, these symptoms are also discussed. The exploration and comparison of these two separate dopamine populations shows just how remarkably similar the retina and OB are, even though they are functionally distinct. It also shows that the modulatory properties of dopamine neurons are just as important to vision and olfaction as they are to motor coordination and neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative conditions, thus, we hope this review encourages further research to elucidate these mechanisms.

Temporary Anosmia in Mice Following Nasal Lavage With Dilute Detergent Solution

Olfactory sensory deprivation induces anosmia and reduces tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine levels in the olfactory bulb. The behavioral consequences specific to the loss of olfactory bulb dopamine are difficult to determine because sensory deprivation protocols are either confounded by side effects or leave the animal anosmic. A new method to both induce sensory deprivation and to measure the behavioral and circuit consequences is needed. We developed a novel, recoverable anosmia protocol using nasal lavage with a dilute detergent solution. Detergent treatment did not damage the olfactory epithelium as measured by scanning electron microscopy, alcian blue histology, and acetylated tubulin immunohistochemistry. One treatment-induced anosmia that lasted 24 to 48 h. Three treatments over 5 days reduced olfactory bulb tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine levels indicating that anosmia persists between treatments. Importantly, even with multiple treatments, olfactory ability recovered within 48 h. This is the first report of a sensory deprivation protocol that induces recoverable anosmia and can be paired with biochemical, histological, and behavioral investigations of olfaction.

Subpopulations of Projection Neurons in the Olfactory Bulb

Generation of neuronal diversity is a biological strategy widely used in the brain to process complex information. The olfactory bulb is the first relay station of olfactory information in the vertebrate central nervous system. In the olfactory bulb, axons of the olfactory sensory neurons form synapses with dendrites of projection neurons that transmit the olfactory information to the olfactory cortex. Historically, the olfactory bulb projection neurons have been classified into two populations, mitral cells and tufted cells. The somata of these cells are distinctly segregated within the layers of the olfactory bulb; the mitral cells are located in the mitral cell layer while the tufted cells are found in the external plexiform layer. Although mitral and tufted cells share many morphological, biophysical, and molecular characteristics, they differ in soma size, projection patterns of their dendrites and axons, and odor responses. In addition, tufted cells are further subclassified based on the relative depth of their somata location in the external plexiform layer. Evidence suggests that different types of tufted cells have distinct cellular properties and play different roles in olfactory information processing. Therefore, mitral and different types of tufted cells are considered as starting points for parallel pathways of olfactory information processing in the brain. Moreover, recent studies suggest that mitral cells also consist of heterogeneous subpopulations with different cellular properties despite the fact that the mitral cell layer is a single-cell layer. In this review, we first compare the morphology of projection neurons in the olfactory bulb of different vertebrate species. Next, we explore the similarities and differences among subpopulations of projection neurons in the rodent olfactory bulb. We also discuss the timing of neurogenesis as a factor for the generation of projection neuron heterogeneity in the olfactory bulb. Knowledge about the subpopulations of olfactory bulb projection neurons will contribute to a better understanding of the complex olfactory information processing in higher brain regions.

Dopaminergic Modulation of Signal Processing in a Subset of Retinal Bipolar Cells

The retina and the olfactory bulb are the gateways to the visual and olfactory systems, respectively, similarly using neural networks to initiate sensory signal processing. Sensory receptors receive signals that are transmitted to neural networks before projecting to primary cortices. These networks filter sensory signals based on their unique features and adjust their sensitivities by gain control systems. Interestingly, dopamine modulates sensory signal transduction in both systems. In the retina, dopamine adjusts the retinal network for daylight conditions (“light adaptation”). In the olfactory system, dopamine mediates lateral inhibition between the glomeruli, resulting in odorant signal decorrelation and discrimination. While dopamine is essential for signal discrimination in the olfactory system, it is not understood whether dopamine has similar roles in visual signal processing in the retina. To elucidate dopaminergic effects on visual processing, we conducted patch-clamp recording from second-order retinal bipolar cells, which exhibit multiple types that can convey different temporal features of light. We recorded excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) evoked by various frequencies of sinusoidal light in the absence and presence of a dopamine receptor 1 (D₁R) agonist or antagonist. Application of a D₁R agonist, SKF-38393, shifted the peak temporal responses toward higher frequencies in a subset of bipolar cells. In contrast, a D₁R antagonist, SCH-23390, reversed the effects of SKF on these types of bipolar cells. To examine the mechanism of dopaminergic modulation, we recorded voltage-gated currents, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, and low-voltage activated (LVA) Ca²⁺ channels. SKF modulated HCN and LVA currents, suggesting that these channels are the target of D₁R signaling to modulate visual signaling in these bipolar cells. Taken together, we found that dopamine modulates the temporal tuning of a subset of retinal bipolar cells. Consequently, we determined that dopamine plays a role in visual signal processing, which is similar to its role in signal decorrelation in the olfactory bulb.

Predicting brain organization with a computational model: 50-year perspective on lateral inhibition and oscillatory gating by dendrodendritic synapses

The first compartmental computer models of brain neurons using the Rall method predicted novel and unexpected dendrodendritic interactions between mitral and granule cells in the olfactory bulb. We review the models from a 50-year perspective on the work that has challenged, supported, and extended the original proposal that these interactions mediate both lateral inhibition and oscillatory activity, essential steps in the neural basis of olfactory processing and perception. We highlight strategies behind the neurophysiological experiments and the Rall methods that enhance the ability of detailed compartmental modeling to give counterintuitive predictions that lead to deeper insights into neural organization at the synaptic and circuit level. The application of these methods to mechanisms of neurogenesis and plasticity are exciting challenges for the future.

CCKergic Tufted Cells Differentially Drive Two Anatomically Segregated Inhibitory Circuits in the Mouse Olfactory Bulb

Delineation of functional synaptic connections is fundamental to understanding sensory processing. Olfactory signals are synaptically processed initially in the olfactory bulb (OB) where neural circuits are formed among inhibitory interneurons and the output neurons mitral cells (MCs) and tufted cells (TCs). TCs function in parallel with but differently from MCs and are further classified into multiple subpopulations based on their anatomic and functional heterogeneities. Here, we combined optogenetics with electrophysiology to characterize the synaptic transmission from a subpopulation of TCs, which exclusively express the neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK), to two groups of spatially segregated GABAergic interneurons, granule cells (GCs) and glomerular interneurons in mice of both sexes with four major findings. First, CCKergic TCs receive direct input from the olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). This monosynaptic transmission exhibits high fidelity in response to repetitive OSN input. Second, CCKergic TCs drive GCs through two functionally distinct types of monosynaptic connections: (1) dendrodendritic synapses onto GC distal dendrites via their lateral dendrites in the superficial external plexiform layer (EPL); (2) axodendritic synapses onto GC proximal dendrites via their axon collaterals or terminals in the internal plexiform layer (IPL) on both sides of each bulb. Third, CCKergic TCs monosynaptically excite two subpopulations of inhibitory glomerular interneurons via dendrodendritic synapses. Finally, sniff-like patterned activation of CCKergic TCs induces robust frequency-dependent depression of the dendrodendritic synapses but facilitation of the axodendritic synapses. These results demonstrated important roles of the CCKergic TCs in olfactory processing by orchestrating OB inhibitory activities.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neuronal morphology and organization in the olfactory bulb (OB) have been extensively studied, however, the functional operation of neuronal interactions is not fully understood. We combined optogenetic and electrophysiological approaches to investigate the functional operation of synaptic connections between a specific population of excitatory output neuron and inhibitory interneurons in the OB. We found that these output neurons formed distinct types of synapses with two populations of spatially segregated interneurons. The functional characteristics of these synapses vary significantly depending on the presynaptic compartments so that these output neurons can dynamically rebalance inhibitory feedback or feedforward to other neurons types in the OB in response to dynamic rhythmic inputs.

Effect of Interglomerular Inhibitory Networks on Olfactory Bulb Odor Representations

Lateral inhibition is a fundamental feature of circuits that process sensory information. In the mammalian olfactory system, inhibitory interneurons called short axon cells (SACs) comprise the first network mediating lateral inhibition between glomeruli, the functional units of early olfactory coding and processing. The connectivity of this network and its impact on odor representations is not well understood. To explore this question, we constructed a computational model of the interglomerular inhibitory network using detailed characterizations of SAC morphologies taken from mouse olfactory bulb (OB). We then examined how this network transformed glomerular patterns of odorant-evoked sensory input (taken from previously-published datasets) as a function of the selectivity of interglomerular inhibition. We examined three connectivity schemes: selective (each glomerulus connects to few others with heterogeneous strength), nonselective (glomeruli connect to most others with heterogenous strength), or global (glomeruli connect to all others with equal strength). We found that both selective and nonselective interglomerular networks could mediate heterogeneous patterns of inhibition across glomeruli when driven by realistic sensory input patterns, but that global inhibitory networks were unable to produce input-output transformations that matched experimental data and were poor mediators of intensity-dependent gain control. We further found that networks whose interglomerular connectivities were tuned by sensory input profile decorrelated odor representations moreeffectively. These results suggest that, despite their multiglomerular innervation patterns, SACs are capable of mediating odorant-specific patterns of inhibition between glomeruli that could, theoretically, be tuned by experience or evolution to optimize discrimination of particular odorants.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Lateral inhibition is a key feature of circuitry in many sensory systems including vision, audition, and olfaction. We investigate how lateral inhibitory networks mediated by short axon cells (SACs) in the mouse olfactory bulb (OB) might shape odor representations as a function of their interglomerular connectivity. Using a computational model of interglomerular connectivity derived from experimental data, we find that SAC networks, despite their broad innervation patterns, can mediate heterogeneous patterns of inhibition across glomeruli, and that the canonical model of global inhibition does not generate experimentally observed responses to stimuli. In addition, inhibitory connections tuned by input statistics yield enhanced decorrelation of similar input patterns. These results elucidate how the organization of inhibition between neural elements may affect computations.

Spiking and Membrane Properties of Rat Olfactory Bulb Dopamine Neurons

The mammalian olfactory bulb (OB) has a vast population of dopamine (DA) neurons, whose function is to increase odor discrimination through mostly inhibitory synaptic mechanisms. However, it is not well understood whether there is more than one neuronal type of OB DA neuron, how these neurons respond to different stimuli, and the ionic mechanisms behind those responses. In this study, we used a transgenic rat line (hTH-GFP) to identify fluorescent OB DA neurons for recording via whole-cell electrophysiology. These neurons were grouped based on their localization in the glomerular layer ("Top" vs. "Bottom") with these largest and smallest neurons grouped by neuronal area ("Large" vs. "Small," in μm²). We found that some membrane properties could be distinguished based on a neuron's area, but not by its glomerular localization. All OB DA neurons produced a single action potential when receiving a sufficiently depolarizing stimulus, while some could also spike multiple times when receiving weaker stimuli, an activity that was more likely in Large than Small neurons. This single spiking activity is likely driven by the Na⁺ current, which showed a sensitivity to inactivation by depolarization and a relatively long time constant for the removal of inactivation. These recordings showed that Small neurons were more sensitive to inactivation of Na⁺ current at membrane potentials of -70 and -60 mV than Large neurons. The hyperpolarization-activated H-current (identified by voltage sags) was more pronounced in Small than Large DA neurons across hyperpolarized membrane potentials. Lastly, to mimic a more physiological stimulus, these neurons received ramp stimuli of various durations and current amplitudes. When stimulated with weaker/shallow ramps, the neurons needed less current to begin and end firing and they produced more action potentials at a slower frequency. These spiking properties were further analyzed between the four groups of neurons, and these analyses support the difference in spiking induced with current step stimuli. Thus, there may be more than one type of OB DA neuron, and these neurons' activities may support a possible role of being high-pass filters in the OB by allowing the transmission of stronger odor signals while inhibiting weaker ones.

Short-term plasticity in glomerular inhibitory circuits shapes olfactory bulb output

Short-term plasticity is a fundamental synaptic property thought to underlie memory and neural processing. The glomerular microcircuit comprises complex excitatory and inhibitory interactions and transmits olfactory nerve signals to the excitatory output neurons, mitral/tufted cells (M/TCs). The major glomerular inhibitory interneurons, short axon cells (SACs) and periglomerular cells (PGCs), both provide feedforward and feedback inhibition to M/TCs and have reciprocal inhibitory synapses between each other. Olfactory input is episodically driven by sniffing. We hypothesized that frequency-dependent short-term plasticity within these inhibitory circuits could influence signals sent to higher-order olfactory networks. To assess short-term plasticity in glomerular circuits and MC outputs, we virally delivered channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) in glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 promotor (GAD2-cre) or tyrosine hydroxylase promoter (TH-cre) mice and selectively activated one of these two populations while recording from cells of the other population or from MCs. Selective activation of TH-ChR2-expressing SACs inhibited all recorded GAD2-green fluorescent protein(GFP)-expressing presumptive PGC cells, and activation of GAD2-ChR2 cells inhibited TH-GFP-expressing SACs, indicating reciprocal inhibitory connections. SAC synaptic inhibition of GAD2-expressing cells was significantly facilitated at 5-10 Hz activation frequencies. In contrast, GAD2-ChR2 cell inhibition of TH-expressing cells was activation-frequency independent. Both SAC and PGC inhibition of MCs also exhibited short-term plasticity, pronounced in the 5-20 Hz range corresponding to investigative sniffing frequency ranges. In paired SAC and olfactory nerve electrical stimulations, the SAC to MC synapse was able to markedly suppress MC spiking. These data suggest that short-term plasticity across investigative sniffing ranges may differentially regulate intra- and interglomerular inhibitory circuits to dynamically shape glomerular output signals to downstream targets.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Short-term plasticity is a fundamental synaptic property that modulates synaptic strength based on preceding activity of the synapse. In rodent olfaction, sensory input arrives episodically driven by sniffing rates ranging from quiescent respiration (1-2 Hz) through to investigative sniffing (5-10 Hz). Here we show that glomerular inhibitory networks are exquisitely sensitive to input frequencies and exhibit plasticity proportional to investigative sniffing frequencies. This indicates that olfactory glomerular circuits are dynamically modulated by episodic sniffing input.

Aversive Learning Increases Release Probability of Olfactory Sensory Neurons

Predicting danger from previously associated sensory stimuli is essential for survival. Contributions from altered peripheral sensory inputs are implicated in this process, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we use the mammalian olfactory system to investigate such mechanisms. Primary olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) project their axons directly to the olfactory bulb (OB) glomeruli, where their synaptic release is subject to local and cortical influence and neuromodulation. Pairing optogenetic activation of a single glomerulus with foot shock in mice induces freezing to light stimulation alone during fear retrieval. This is accompanied by an increase in OSN release probability and a reduction in GABA_B receptor expression in the conditioned glomerulus. Furthermore, freezing time is positively correlated with the release probability of OSNs in fear-conditioned mice. These results suggest that aversive learning increases peripheral olfactory inputs at the first synapse, which may contribute to the behavioral outcome.

α-Synuclein Promotes Maturation of Immature Juxtaglomerular Neurons in the Mouse Olfactory Bulb

α-Synuclein (αSyn), the major constituent of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, is generally expressed in presynapses and is involved in synaptic function. However, we previously demonstrated that some neurons, including those in the olfactory bulb, show high αSyn expression levels in the cell body under normal conditions. αSyn is also known to be important for adult neurogenesis. Thus, in present study, we examined the role of αSyn in juxtaglomerular neurons (JGNs) with high αSyn expression in the mouse olfactory bulb. Most αSyn-enriched JGNs expressed sex-determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2), which functions to maintain neural immature identity. Interestingly, in αSyn homozygous (-/-) knockout (KO) mice, Sox2-positive JGNs were significantly increased compared with heterozygous (+/-) KO mice. Following global brain ischemia using wild-type mice, there was also a significant decrease in Sox2-positive JGNs, and in the co-expression ratio of Sox2 in αSyn-enriched JGNs. By contrast, the co-expression ratio of neuronal nuclei (NeuN, mature neuronal marker) was significantly increased in αSyn-enriched JGNs. However, this ischemia-induced decrease of Sox2-positive JGNs was not observed in αSyn homozygous KO mice. Overall, these data suggest that αSyn functions to promote the maturation of immature JGNs in the mouse olfactory bulb.

Interneuron Functional Diversity in the Mouse Accessory Olfactory Bulb

In the mouse accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), inhibitory interneurons play an essential role in gating behaviors elicited by sensory exposure to social odors. Several morphological classes have been described, but the full complement of interneurons remains incomplete. In order to develop a more comprehensive view of interneuron function in the AOB, we performed targeted patch clamp recordings from partially overlapping subsets of genetically labeled and morphologically defined interneuron types. Gad2 (GAD65), Calb2 (calretinin), and Cort (cortistatin)-cre mouse lines were used to drive selective expression of tdTomato in AOB interneurons. Gad2 and Calb2-labeled interneurons were found in the internal, external, and glomerular (GL) layers, whereas Cort-labeled interneurons were enriched within the lateral olfactory tract (LOT) and external cellular layer (ECL). We found that external granule cells (EGCs) from all genetically labeled subpopulations possessed intrinsic functional differences that allowed them to be readily distinguished from internal granule cells (IGCs). EGCs showed stronger voltage-gated Na⁺ and non-inactivating voltage-gated K⁺ currents, decreased I_H currents, and robust excitatory synaptic input. These specific intrinsic properties did not correspond to any genetically labeled type, suggesting that transcriptional heterogeneity among EGCs and IGCs is not correlated with expression of these particular marker genes. Intrinsic heterogeneity was also seen among AOB juxtaglomerular cells (JGCs), with a major subset of Calb2-labeled JGCs exhibiting spontaneous and depolarization-evoked plateau potentials. These data identify specific physiological features of AOB interneurons types that will assist in future studies of AOB function.

Cannabinoid receptor-mediated modulation of inhibitory inputs to mitral cells in the main olfactory bulb

The endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling system has been functionally implicated in many brain regions. Our understanding of the role of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) in olfactory processing remains limited. Cannabinoid signaling is involved in regulating glomerular activity in the main olfactory bulb (MOB). However, the cannabinoid-related circuitry of inputs to mitral cells in the MOB has not been fully determined. Using anatomical and functional approaches we have explored this question. CB1 was present in periglomerular processes of a GAD65-positive subpopulation of interneurons but not in mitral cells. We detected eCBs in the mouse MOB as well as the expression of CB1 and other genes associated with cannabinoid signaling in the MOB. Patch-clamp electrophysiology demonstrated that CB1 agonists activated mitral cells and evoked an inward current, while CB1 antagonists reduced firing and evoked an outward current. CB1 effects on mitral cells were absent in subglomerular slices in which the olfactory nerve layer and glomerular layer were removed, suggesting the glomerular layer as the site of CB1 action. We previously observed that GABAergic periglomerular cells show the inverse response pattern to CB1 activation compared with mitral cells, suggesting that CB1 indirectly regulates mitral cell activity as a result of cellular activation of glomerular GABAergic processes . This hypothesis was supported by the finding that cannabinoids modulated synaptic transmission to mitral cells. We conclude that CB1 directly regulates GABAergic processes in the glomerular layer to control GABA release and, in turn, regulates mitral cell activity with potential effects on olfactory threshold and behavior.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cannabinoid signaling with cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) is involved in the regulation of glomerular activity in the main olfactory bulb (MOB). We detected endocannabinoids in the mouse MOB. CB1 was present in periglomerular processes of a GAD65-positive subpopulation of interneurons. CB1 agonists activated mitral cells. CB1 directly regulates GABAergic processes to control GABA release and, in turn, regulates mitral cell activity with potential effects on olfactory threshold and behavior.

Using Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicators (GEVIs) to Study the Input-Output Transformation of the Mammalian Olfactory Bulb

Genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) are fluorescent protein reporters of membrane potential. These tools can, in principle, be used to monitor the neural activity of genetically distinct cell types in the brain. Although introduced in 1997, they have been a challenge to use to study intact neural circuits due to a combination of small signal-to-noise ratio, slow kinetics, and poor membrane expression. New strategies have yielded novel GEVIs such as ArcLight, which have improved properties. Here, we compare the in vivo properties of ArcLight with Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators (GECIs) in the mouse olfactory bulb. We show how voltage imaging can be combined with organic calcium sensitive dyes to measure the input-output transformation of the olfactory bulb. Finally, we demonstrate that ArcLight can be targeted to olfactory bulb interneurons. The olfactory bulb contributes substantially to the perception of the concentration invariance of odor recognition.

Vasopressin Cells in the Rodent Olfactory Bulb Resemble Non-Bursting Superficial Tufted Cells and Are Primarily Inhibited upon Olfactory Nerve Stimulation

The intrinsic vasopressin system of the olfactory bulb is involved in social odor processing and consists of glutamatergic vasopressin cells (VPCs) located at the medial border of the glomerular layer. To characterize VPCs in detail, we combined various electrophysiological, neuroanatomical, and two-photon Ca2+ imaging techniques in acute bulb slices from juvenile transgenic rats with eGFP-labeled VPCs. VPCs showed regular non-bursting firing patterns, and displayed slower membrane time constants and higher input resistances versus other glutamatergic tufted cell types. VPC axons spread deeply into the external plexiform and superficial granule cell layer (GCL). Axonal projections fell into two subclasses, with either denser local columnar collaterals or longer-ranging single projections running laterally within the internal plexiform layer and deeper within the granule cell layer. VPCs always featured lateral dendrites and a tortuous apical dendrite that innervated a single glomerulus with a homogenously branching tuft. These tufts lacked Ca2+ transients in response to single somatically-evoked action potentials and showed a moderate Ca2+ increase upon prolonged action potential trains.Notably, electrical olfactory nerve stimulation did not result in synaptic excitation of VPCs, but triggered substantial GABAA receptor-mediated IPSPs that masked excitatory barrages with yet longer latency. Exogenous vasopressin application reduced those IPSPs, as well as olfactory nerve-evoked EPSPs recorded from external tufted cells. In summary, VPCs can be classified as non-bursting, vertical superficial tufted cells. Moreover, our findings imply that sensory input alone cannot trigger excitation of VPCs, arguing for specific additional pathways for excitation or disinhibition in social contexts.

Temporal Dynamics of Inhalation-Linked Activity across Defined Subpopulations of Mouse Olfactory Bulb Neurons Imaged In Vivo

In mammalian olfaction, inhalation drives the temporal patterning of neural activity that underlies early olfactory processing. It remains poorly understood how the neural circuits that process incoming olfactory information are engaged in the context of inhalation-linked dynamics. Here, we used artificial inhalation and two-photon calcium imaging to compare the dynamics of activity evoked by odorant inhalation across major cell types of the mouse olfactory bulb (OB). We expressed GCaMP6f or jRGECO1a in mitral and tufted cell (MTC) subpopulations, olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), and two major juxtaglomerular interneuron classes and imaged responses to a single inhalation of odorant. Activity in all cell types was strongly linked to inhalation, and all cell types showed some variance in the latency, rise times, and durations of their inhalation-linked response. Juxtaglomerular interneuron dynamics closely matched that of sensory inputs, while MTCs showed the highest diversity in responses, with a range of latencies and durations that could not be accounted for by heterogeneity in sensory input dynamics. Diversity was apparent even among “sister” tufted cells innervating the same glomerulus. Surprisingly, inhalation-linked responses of MTCs were highly overlapping and could not be distinguished on the basis of their inhalation-linked dynamics, with the exception of a subpopulation of superficial tufted cells expressing cholecystokinin (CCK). Our results are consistent with a model in which diversity in inhalation-linked patterning of OB output arises first at the level of sensory input and is enhanced by feedforward inhibition from juxtaglomerular interneurons which differentially impact different subpopulations of OB output neurons.

Modulation of Fronto-Striatal Functional Connectivity Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Background: The fronto-striatal network is involved in various motor, cognitive, and emotional processes, such as spatial attention, working memory, decision-making, and emotion regulation. Intermittent theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTBS) has been shown to modulate functional connectivity of brain networks. Long stimulation intervals, as well as high stimulation intensities are typically applied in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy for mood disorders. The role of stimulation intensity on network function and homeostasis has not been explored systematically yet. Objective: In this pilot study, we aimed to modulate fronto-striatal connectivity by applying iTBS at different intensities to the left dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). We measured individual and group changes by comparing resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) both pre-iTBS and post-iTBS. Differential effects of individual sub- vs. supra-resting motor-threshold stimulation intensities were assessed. Methods: Sixteen healthy subjects underwent excitatory iTBS at two intensities [90% and 120% of individual resting motor threshold (rMT)] on separate days. Six-hundred pulses (2 s trains, 8 s pauses, duration of 3 min, 20 s) were applied over the left DLPFC. Directly before and 7 min after stimulation, task-free rsfMRI sessions, lasting 10 min each, were conducted. Individual seed-to-seed functional connectivity changes were calculated for 10 fronto-striatal and amygdala regions of interest with the SPM toolbox DPABI. Results: Sub-threshold-iTBS increased functional connectivity directly between the left DLPFC and the left and right caudate, respectively. Supra-threshold stimulation did not change fronto-striatal functional connectivity but increased functional connectivity between the right amygdala and the right caudate. Conclusion: A short iTBS protocol applied at sub-threshold intensities was not only sufficient, but favorable, in order to increase bilateral fronto-striatal functional connectivity, while minimizing side effects. The absence of an increase in functional connectivity after supra-threshold stimulation was possibly caused by network homeostatic effects.

Reciprocal Inhibitory Glomerular Circuits Contribute to Excitation-Inhibition Balance in the Mouse Olfactory Bulb

The major inhibitory interneurons in olfactory bulb (OB) glomeruli are periglomerular cells (PGCs) and short axon cells (SACs). PGCs and SACs provide feedforward inhibition to all classes of projection neurons, but inhibition between PGCs and SACs is not well understood. We crossed Cre and GFP transgenic mice and used virally-delivered optogenetic constructs to selectively activate either SACs or GAD65cre-ChR2-positive PGCs while recording from identified GAD65cre-ChR2-positive PGCs or SACs, respectively, to investigate inhibitory interactions between these two interneuron types. We show that GAD65cre-ChR2-positive PGCs robustly inhibit SACs and SACs strongly inhibit PGCs. SACs form the interglomerular circuit, which inhibits PGCs in distant glomeruli. Activation of GAD65cre-ChR2-positive PGCs monosynaptically inhibit mitral cells (MCs), which complements recent findings that SACs directly inhibit MCs. Thus, both classes of glomerular inhibitory neurons inhibit each other, as well as OB output neurons. We further show that olfactory nerve input to one glomerulus engages the interglomerular circuit and inhibits PGCs in distant glomeruli. Sensory activation of the interglomerular circuit directly inhibits output neurons in other glomeruli and by inhibiting intraglomerular PGCs, may potentially disinhibit output neurons in other glomeruli. The nature and context of odorant stimuli may determine whether inhibition or excitation prevails so that odors are represented in part by patterns of active and inactive glomeruli.

Reciprocal Inhibitory Glomerular Circuits Contribute to Excitation-Inhibition Balance in the Mouse Olfactory Bulb

The major inhibitory interneurons in olfactory bulb (OB) glomeruli are periglomerular cells (PGCs) and short axon cells (SACs). PGCs and SACs provide feedforward inhibition to all classes of projection neurons, but inhibition between PGCs and SACs is not well understood. We crossed Cre and GFP transgenic mice and used virally-delivered optogenetic constructs to selectively activate either SACs or GAD65cre-ChR2-positive PGCs while recording from identified GAD65cre-ChR2-positive PGCs or SACs, respectively, to investigate inhibitory interactions between these two interneuron types. We show that GAD65cre-ChR2-positive PGCs robustly inhibit SACs and SACs strongly inhibit PGCs. SACs form the interglomerular circuit, which inhibits PGCs in distant glomeruli. Activation of GAD65cre-ChR2-positive PGCs monosynaptically inhibit mitral cells (MCs), which complements recent findings that SACs directly inhibit MCs. Thus, both classes of glomerular inhibitory neurons inhibit each other, as well as OB output neurons. We further show that olfactory nerve input to one glomerulus engages the interglomerular circuit and inhibits PGCs in distant glomeruli. Sensory activation of the interglomerular circuit directly inhibits output neurons in other glomeruli and by inhibiting intraglomerular PGCs, may potentially disinhibit output neurons in other glomeruli. The nature and context of odorant stimuli may determine whether inhibition or excitation prevails so that odors are represented in part by patterns of active and inactive glomeruli.

Characterization of perinatally born glutamatergic neurons of the mouse olfactory bulb based on NeuroD6 expression reveals their resistance to sensory deprivation

During postnatal olfactory bulb (OB) neurogenesis, predetermined stem cells residing in the ventricular-subventricular zone continuously generate progenitors that migrate in the rostral migratory stream and integrate into the OB. Although the vast majority of these postnatally generated interneurons are inhibitory, a sub-fraction represents glutamatergic neurons that integrate into the superficial glomerular layer. In the present work, we demonstrate that the bHLH transcription factor NeuroD6 is specifically and transitorily expressed in the dorsal neurogenic lineage that generates glutamatergic juxtaglomerular cells (JGCs) for the OB. Using lineage tracing combined with whole brain clearing, we provide new insight into timing of generation, morphology, and connectivity of glutamatergic JGCs. Specifically, we show that all glutamatergic JGCs send complex axons with varying projection patterns into different layers of the OB. Moreover, we find that, contrary to GABAergic OB interneurons, glutamatergic JGCs survive under sensory deprivation, indicating that inhibitory and excitatory populations are differentially susceptible to environmental stimulation.

Narrowly Confined and Glomerulus-Specific Onset Latencies of Odor-Evoked Calcium Transients in the Juxtaglomerular Cells of the Mouse Main Olfactory Bulb

Odor information is transmitted from olfactory sensory neurons to principal neurons at the glomeruli of the olfactory bulb. The intraglomerular neuronal circuit also includes hundreds of interneurons referred to as juxtaglomerular (JG) cells. Stimulus selectivity is well correlated among many JG cells that are associated with the same glomerulus, consistent with their highly homogeneous sensory inputs. However, much less is known about the temporal aspects of their activity, including the temporal coordination of their odor-evoked responses. As many JG cells within a glomerular module respond to the same stimulus, the extent to which their activity is temporally aligned will affect the temporal profile of their population inhibitory inputs. Using random-access high-speed two-photon microscopy, we recorded the odor-evoked calcium transients of mouse JG cells and compared the onset latency and rise time among neurons putatively associated with the same and different glomeruli. Whereas the overall onset latencies of odor-evoked transients were distributed across a ∼150 ms time window, those from cells putatively associated with the same glomerulus were confined to a much narrower window of several tens of milliseconds. This result suggests that onset latency primarily depends on the associated glomerulus. We also observed glomerular specificity in the rise time. The glomerulus-specific temporal pattern of odor-evoked activity implies that the temporal patterns of inputs from the intraglomerular circuit are unique to individual glomerulus–odor pairs, which may contribute to efficient shaping of the temporal pattern of activity in the principal neurons.

Strong, weak and neuron type dependent lateral inhibition in the olfactory bulb

In many sensory systems, different sensory features are transmitted in parallel by several different types of output neurons. In the mouse olfactory bulb, there are only two output neuron types, the mitral and tufted cells (M/T), which receive similar odor inputs, but they are believed to transmit different odor characteristics. How these two neuron types deliver different odor information is unclear. Here, by combining electrophysiology and optogenetics, it is shown that distinct inhibitory networks modulate M/T cell responses differently. Overall strong lateral inhibition was scarce, with most neurons receiving lateral inhibition from a handful of unorganized surrounding glomeruli (~5% on average). However, there was a considerable variability between different neuron types in the strength and frequency of lateral inhibition. Strong lateral inhibition was mostly found in neurons locked to the first half of the respiration cycle. In contrast, weak inhibition arriving from many surrounding glomeruli was relatively more common in neurons locked to the late phase of the respiration cycle. Proximal neurons could receive different levels of inhibition. These results suggest that there is considerable diversity in the way M/T cells process odors so that even neurons that receive the same odor input transmit different odor information to the cortex.