Figure 9.

Summary of experimental results. Left, Optogenetic stimuli were associated with both increments and decrements in the V1 spike rate at the step onset (offset) and offset (onset). Vertical dashed lines indicate onsets/offsets of optogenetic stimuli. Second from left, Instantaneous changes in the V1 spike rate following onsets and offsets in optogenetic stimuli produce robust signals that mice could use to guide their responses. Horizontal dashed line indicates 0. Third from left, Alternatively, integration of spikes relative to the prestimulus period generates distinct signals such that any suppression of V1 spiking reduces the integrated spike count. Right, Behavioral responses triggered by changes in optogenetic input reflect the integrated spike counts, as behavioral responses were always suppressed by reductions in spiking regardless of whether reductions were followed by rapid release from inhibition.