Depth distribution of temporal firing patterns in olfactory bulb related to air-intake cycles.

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Abstract
The temporal firing pattern of olfactory bulb neurons was studied during the artificial intake of deodorized air in the rabbit. Of 650 cells examined, 277 cells displayed discharge rates that changed consistently in relation to air-intake cycles even in the absence of odor stimulation. The temporal firing pattern of these neurons during each intake cycle was analyzed by correlating the pulse density histograms of the unit activity with the time course of the negative-pressure pulse or EOG [electroolfactogram] activity, and also with the depth where these units were encountered. A comparison of the temporal firing pattern of superficially located neurons (GLL units and superficial EPL units) and that of main output neurons (mitral cells and tufted cells) suggests that the former are more strongly influenced by the pattern of olfactory nerve inputs than the latter and that the latter may receive large modifications of temporal firing pattern, possibly by synaptic interactions in the bulb. The modification of the temporal firing pattern of output neurons may play an important role for processing the olfactory information in the bulb.