Probing Somatosensory Representations in the Cuneate Nucleus of Awake Primates

Northwestern University has two roles in the project. Dr. Miller will undertake the proprioceptive experiments, recording from the cuneate nucleus while the animals perform a variety of reaching tasks designed to allow him to study the modulation of single cell in CN, and their relation to the motion of the limb, as well as the underlying muscle forces that occur during movement. He will also use other methods to selectively activate muscle spindle receptors and Golgi tendon organs, and to study their convergence onto CN neurons. NU neurosurgeon, Dr. Rosenow, will provide the surgical expertise required to implant the electrode arrays in CN, and in conjunction with Miller and Bensmaia work to refine the necessary surgical methods.