Functional properties, topological organization and sexual dimorphism of claustrum neurons projecting to anterior cingulate cortex

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: To define the physiological properties of neurons projecting from the claustrum to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC).Design: To identify the claustrum in live slices, we used a transgenic mouse line that expresses yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-tagged Volvox channelrhodopsin-1 at high levels within the claustrum. Claustrum cells projecting to the ACC were identified by retrograde labelling. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from labelled claustrum neurons were used to characterize the intrinsic electrical properties of these neurons. Cells were classified according to their intrinsic electrical properties, based on a previous classification scheme.Results: Labelled neurons were found in the claustrum but not the insular cortex. Four types of ACC-projecting neurons were identified based on action potential adaptation and waveform: strongly adapting (SA) cell types 2, 3 and 4, and moderately adapting (MA) cell type 2. Labelled cells were predominantly SA4 in the anterior (44%) and pos...