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Authors & Affiliations
Lorena Jiménez, Manuel E. Vila-Martín, Anna Teruel-Sanchis, Camila A. Savarelli-Balsamo, Joana Martínez-Ricós, Enrique Lanuza, Vicent Teruel-Martí
Abstract
Rodents establish complex interindividual relationships based on the recognition of volatile and non-volatile urine molecules, which are detected by the vomeronasal organ. The resulting signals are processed by the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), which sends projections to various amygdaloid nuclei, including the posteromedial cortical nucleus (PMCo). The latter is considered the primary vomeronasal cortex due to its embryonic origin, specific laminar organization mediated by reelin, and its direct connection with the AOB. The main goal of this study was to characterize the electrophysiological nature of neurons located in the PMCo, in order to better understand their role in processing chemosensory information. Neuronal activity was recorded with a multielectrode probe in response to exposure to rodent urine. To analyze the data, we use spike sorting techniques and tensor decomposition analysis. To conduct the characterization itself, features such as firing rates and neuronal waveforms were analyzed, allowing for the identification of traits such as rhythmic or the amplitude of neuronal responses. Preliminary results indicate significant heterogeneity in PMCo neuronal responses to specific signals, suggesting a complex decoding mechanism that facilitates the recognition of social and territorial signals.Funding: Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, PID2022-141733NB-I00 / AEI / 10.13039/501100011033 / FEDER, UE