Excitatory Synaptic Connections to Layer 5 Neurons from Layer 2/3 in Visual Cortex

In order to elucidate the organization of visual information processing in visual cotrtex, the relation between signal type and receptor type in excitatory synaptic transmission to layer 5 neuron from layer 2/3 was studied using slice preparation of cat visual cortex. The effects of application of agonists and antagonists for gluamate receptor on EPSP evoked in layer 5 neurons by electrical stimulation of layer 2/3 were investigated since the type of synaptic potential depends on the combination of transmitter and receptor. The results showed that two types of receptors for glutamate were responsible for the generation of two types of EPSPs separately.