Synaptic organization of olfactory inputs and local circuits in the entorhinal cortex: a current source density analysis in the cat.

The distribution of the olfactory afferents within the ventrolateral part of the entorhinal cortex (EC) was studied by means of field potentials evoked by stimulation of the olfactory bulb (OB) and the olfactory cortex (PPC). Depth profiles of the field potentials evoked by OB or PPC stimulation were studied using current source density analysis. After OB or PPC stimulation an early superficial sink-deep source configuration was found, which some time later reversed into a superficial source-deep sink. Both OB and PPC activated mainly the superficial dendrites of the cells of layers II and III. In layers II and III evidence for strong recurrent inhibition was found, using double pulse stimulation. The results indicate that there exists a common basic design of the synaptic organization of the olfactory areas of the base of the brain extending to the EC.