The Neural and Computational Architecture of Feedback Dynamics in Mouse Cortex during Stimulus Report.

Conscious report of visual input correlates with two distinct neural responses in the primary visual cortex (V1): an early response tied to stimulus features and a late response linked to report or detection. This late wave, central to theories of consciousness, was thought to be driven by the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Analyzing two electrophysiological studies in mice performing detection tasks, researchers characterized activity in V1, posterior parietal cortex (PPC), and PFC. A minimal network model constrained by known connectivity showed that while PFC is necessary to generate report-related activity in V1, it only does so through PPC mediation. PPC, not PFC, ultimately enables the late wave of V1 activity.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Conscious reportability of visual input is associated with a bimodal neural response in the primary visual cortex (V1): an early-latency response coupled to stimulus features and a late-latency response coupled to stimulus report or detection. This late wave of activity, central to major theories of consciousness, is thought to be driven by the prefrontal cortex (PFC), responsible for "igniting" it. Here we analyzed two electrophysiological studies in mice performing different stimulus detection tasks and characterized neural activity profiles in three key cortical regions: V1, posterior parietal cortex (PPC), and PFC. We then developed a minimal network model, constrained by known connectivity between these regions, reproducing the spatiotemporal propagation of visual- and report-related activity. Remarkably, while PFC was indeed necessary to generate report-related activity in V1, this occurred only through the mediation of PPC. PPC, and not PFC, had the final veto in enabling the report-related late wave of V1 activity.