Peripheral facial nerve lesions induce changes in the firing properties of primary motor cortex layer 5 pyramidal cells

► Irreversible peripheral facial nerve lesion was performed to adult male rats. ► Contralateral vibrissal motor cortex layer 5 pyramidal cells activity was recorded. ► The lesion induced changes in single-unit firing and population local field activity. ► Most electrophysiological changes persisted at least during 5 weeks after lesion.