Kv3.1 channel expression determines the spike waveform in vocal-motor neurons

Abstract

The speed and accuracy of fine motor skills depend on the spiking activity of upper motor neurons. In mammals, subclasses of these neurons contain unique excitable features that may enable the temporal precision required for these skills. Zebra finches are excellent models for testing how upper motor neurons provide the temporal precision required for rapid, precise behaviors. Their songs contain multiple, acoustically complex syllables, produced on sub-second time scales, and are controlled by pallial nuclei that form microcircuits analogous to those in the layered mammalian neocortex.