Objectives: The linearity of neural information is widely accepted in the study
of
neuroscience. However, the examinations on the transmitted linearity
of
neural information are elusive. Here, we explored the traditional
assumption
by investigating the linearity of transmitted information by
multiple
stimulations on the vestibular system, specifically the vestibular
nucleus. Methods:Five healthy guinea pigs were used for this study. The fixed animals
head in
a stereotaxic apparatus following anesthesia was placed on the top
of a
horizontally rotatory table. A combined stimulation with GVS and
rotation
was applied for the neuronal responses to the multiple stimulations.
The
neuronal responses were tested in four separated stages; a resting,
a pure
head rotation, a pure GVS and the combined stimulus stage. We curve-
fitted a
sine wave on the neuronal firing rate (FR) during rotation and a
linear
regression during the resting and GVS. The linearity of neural
information
was based on the calculated FR difference from the stages. Result:The neuronal responses were analyzed based on the curve-fitting and average
FR during the stages. To test the linearity of neuronal information, we
compared the average FRs during the resting and the pure GVS stages. At the
same time, the difference between the sine wave baselines during the pure
rotation and the multiple stimulation. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the
curve-fitted sine wave decreased during the combined stimulus stage,
compared with that during the pure rotation. The difference between each
pair indicated that the linearity of neuronal information was maintained in
the VN under the multiple stimulation. Conclusion:We could identify the linearity of neuronal information in the VN
through
the comparisons of sine wave baselines and average FR. The
difference
between two baselines during the pure rotation and the multiple
stimulation indicated the neural information is transmitted with
reduced
amplitudes, but the linearity of transmitted information was
maintained. |