Response of Cells in the Temporal Cortex of a Non-Narcotised Cat to Human Snoring Sounds


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Abstract

The response of cells in the temporal cortex of a non-narcotized cat to human snoring sounds was studied using a unique installation created by Ivan Pigarev. Thanks to this installation, it was possible to study the activity of cat neurons in a natural environment, recording a large number of parameters characterizing brain activity (local cortical potential and electroencephalogram) and important parameters of general body state (heartbeat, breathing, eye movement). The spike activity of individual cells or small groups of cells localized in cortical areas associated with sound analysis was considered. A significant number of these cells responded to a low-frequency intensive human snore sound with by modulating their firing frequency synchronized with the temporal features of the snore. These data allow us to reconsider some established postulates regarding the role of the auditory cortex based on experiments conducted mainly on anesthetized animals.

About the authors

N. G. Bibikov

N.N. Andreev Acoustic Institute; A.A. Kharkevich Institute of Information Transmission Problems

Email: nbibikov1@yandex.ru
117036, Moscow, Shvernika St., 4, Russia; 127051, Moscow, B. Karetny lane., 19, Russia

I. N. Pigarev

A.A. Kharkevich Institute of Information Transmission Problems

127051, Moscow, B. Karetny lane., 19, Russia

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