Distinct topographic organization and network activity patterns of corticocollicular neurons within layer 5 auditory cortex

The auditory cortex (AC) modulates the activity of upstream pathways in brainstem via descending (corticofugal) projections. This feedback system plays an important role plasticity by shaping response properties neurons many subcortical nuclei. majority layer (L) 5 corticofugal project to inferior colliculus (IC). corticocollicular (CC) pathway is involved processing complex sounds, auditory-related learning, and defense behavior. Partly due their location deep cortical layers, CC neuron population patterns within neuronal AC ensembles remain poorly understood. We employed two-photon imaging record hundreds L5 anesthetized as well awake animals. are broader tuned than other pyramidal display weaker topographic order core subfields. Network analyses revealed stronger clusters compared non-CC neurons, which respond more reliable integrate information over larger distances. However, results obtained from secondary (A2) differed considerably. Here displayed similar or higher topography, depending on subset analyzed. Furthermore, specifically A2, formed sounds were spatially restricted neurons. Our findings indicate distinct network mechanism analyzing sound with pronounced subfield differences, demonstrating that topography sound-evoked responses neuron-type dependent.