A distinct class of bursting neurons with strong gamma synchronization and stimulus selectivity in monkey V1

Cortical computation depends on interactions between excitatory and inhibitory neurons. The contributions of distinct neuron-types to sensory processing and network synchronization in primate visual-cortex remain largely undetermined. We show that in awake monkey V1, there exists a distinct cell-type (≈30% of neurons) that has narrow-waveform action-potentials, high spontaneous discharge-rates, and fires in high-frequency bursts. These neurons are more stimulus-selective and phase-locked to gamma (30-80Hz) oscillations as compared to other neuron types. Unlike the other neuron-types, their gamma phase-locking is highly predictive of their orientation tuning. We find evidence for strong rhythmic inhibition in these neurons, suggesting that they interact with interneurons to act as excitatory pacemakers for the V1 gamma rhythm. These neurons have not been observed in other primate cortical areas and we find that they are not present in rodent V1. However, they resemble the excitatory “chattering” neurons previously identified by intracellular recordings in cat V1. Given its properties, this neuron type should be pivotal for the encoding and transmission of V1 stimulus information.