Projection-specific filtering of delta-theta input by layer 5 neurons in mouse secondary visual cortex

Layer 5 projection neurons in mouse medial secondary visual cortex (V2M) filter delta-theta inputs differently: IT cells act as low-pass, while ET cells show resonance at ~3 Hz (ET1) and ~5 Hz (ET2).

• Why it matters: Delta- and theta rhythms are linked to coordinating cortical activity and top-down signaling, but it is unclear how distinct layer 5 output classes transform this slow rhythmic drive.
• What they did: Using whole-cell recordings in three stimulus regimes in mouse V2M alongside awake local field potential recordings, the study compared IT versus ET neuron responses to small and large inputs and to a 4 Hz sinusoid at threshold.
• The result: Visual stimulation in awake mice increased deep-layer LFP power across about 1–6 Hz, matching the mean ET1/ET2 resonance range, while spike timing phase during 4 Hz drive was similar across neuron classes.

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