The neural basis of somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold as a paradigm for time processing in the sub-second range: An updated review

Abstract

Background and objective: The temporal aspect of somesthesia is a feature of any somatosensory process and a pre-requisite for the elaboration of proper behavior. Time processing in the milliseconds range is crucial for most of behaviors in everyday life. The somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold (STDT) is the ability to perceive two successive stimuli as separate in time, and deals with time processing in this temporal range. Herein, we focus on the physiology of STDT, on a background of the anatomophysiology of somesthesia and the neurobiological substrates of timing.

Methods: A review of the literature through PubMed & Cochrane databases until March 2023 was performed with inclusion and exclusion criteria following PRISMA recommendations.

Results: 1151 abstracts were identified. 4 duplicate records were discarded before screening. 957 abstracts were excluded because of redundancy, less relevant content or not English-written. 4 were added after revision. Eventually, 194 articles were included.

Conclusions: STDT encoding relies on intracortical inhibitory S1 function and is modulated by the basal ganglia-thalamic-cortical interplay through circuits involving the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway and probably the superior colliculus.

Keywords: Intracortical inhibition; Intralaminar thalamic nuclei; Nigrostriatal pathway; Perceptual timing; Sensorimotor integration; Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold; Sub-second timing; Superior colliculus; Temporal discrimination; Time processing.