Modulatory and inhibitory processes in the visual cortex

Abstract

The functional role of three putative neurotransmitter systems in the visual cortex is compared; the GABAergic inhibitory interneurons, the interneurones containing somatostatin and the cholinergic input originating from the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM). Evidence is presented to support the role of GABAergic processes in the generation of the functional structure of the visual cortex and the view that the cholinergic input exerts a neuromodulatory influence enhancing stimulus selective responses. Although the neuropeptide somatostatin produces facilitatory and inhibitory effects on visual cortical cells there is no clear functional pattern to its action. The possible significance of this data and the interaction of SSt with GABA is discussed in the light of evidence that they may coexist in some cells.