Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.05.01.073098v1?rss=1 Authors: Castejon, C., Nunez, A. Abstract: In the rodent whisker system, it is well assumed that VPM and POm encode stimulations of the contralateral whisker pad. However, during tactile exploration usually whiskers are stimulated bilaterally. Accordingly, the integration of tactile information from the two sides of the body seems to be fundamental in the codification of these events. Here, to investigate whether POm could be able to codify these bilateral dynamics, whisker-evoked responses in this thalamic nucleus were examined by in vivo extracellular recordings in anesthetized rats using contralateral and ipsilateral stimuli. Strikingly, we found that POm is also able to respond to tactile stimulation of ipsilateral whiskers. Our findings reveal the implication of POm in the representation of bilateral tactile events by integrating simultaneous signals arising from both whisker pads and demonstrate the implication of the higher-order sensory thalamus in the codification of bilateral sensory events. This can have important implications in bilateral perceptual function. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info