Work

Dissecting two distinct interneuronal networks in M1 with transcranial magnetic stimulation

Year: 2020

Type: review

Abstract: Interactions from both inhibitory and excitatory interneurons are necessary components of cortical processing that contribute to the vast amount of motor actions executed by humans daily. As transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over primary motor cortex is capable of activating corticospinal neurons trans-synaptically, studies over the past 30 years have provided how subtle changes in stimulation parameters (i.e., current direction, pulse width, and paired-pulse) can elucidate evidence for two distinct neuronal networks that can be probed with this technique. This article provides a brief review of some fundamental studies demonstrating how these networks have separable excitatory inputs to corticospinal neurons. Furthermore, the findings of recent investigations will be discussed in detail, illustrating how each network's sensitivity to different brain states (i.e., rest, movement preparation, and motor learning) is dissociable. Understanding the physiological characteristics of each network can help to explain why interindividual responses to TMS exist, while also providing insights into the role of these networks in various human motor behaviors.

Source: Experimental Brain Research

DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05875-y

Author: Danny Spampinato

Institutions: UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London

Language: English

Topic: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,260

Funder: Medical Research Council