Striatal neurovascular coupling during an auditory discrimination learning

The auditory striatum, the caudal tail region of the dorsal striatum, integrates inputs from primary auditory cortex and medial geniculate body to drive auditory decisions and its neuronal plasticity is critical for auditory learning. Despite accumulating knowledge focusing on the neurons, little is known about the local network’s function in auditory decision making and learning. This study determined the role of the striatal neurovascular coupling in auditory learning, and the neuronal circuitry mechanisms underlying it. Using an in vivo deep brain imaging approach in freely moving mice and blood flow analyses protocol developed in our lab, we examined the coupling between striatal neuronal activity and microvascular dynamics during task learning. With viral tracing, electrophysiological and pharmacological methods, we further examined the local neuronal network that may drive the microvascular dynamics during learning. Together, our findings indicated that auditory striatal neurovascular coupling could be driven by medium spiny neurons activity through nNOS+ interneurons and supports auditory learning.