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Independent coding of connected environments by place cells
V Paz-Villagrán1, E Save, B Poucet
1Laboratory of Neurobiology and Cognition (UMR 6155), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Provence, 31 chemin Joseph-Aiguier, 13402 Marseille cedex 20, France.
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|September 3, 2004
Summary
The hippocampus creates independent spatial maps for distinct environments, with place cell activity remapping only in the altered sensory environment. This suggests environment-specific map activation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Spatial Navigation
Background:
- Place cells in the hippocampus exhibit location-specific firing.
- Environmental changes trigger 'remapping,' suggesting distinct hippocampal maps for each environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independence of hippocampal spatial maps.
- To determine if distinct environments activate separate hippocampal maps.
Main Methods:
- Rats explored distinct environments (boxes) with place cell recordings.
- Environments were manipulated by adding connections or altering one box.
- Place cell firing fields were analyzed for remapping.
Main Results:
- Place cells showed distinct firing fields in each separate box.
- Connecting boxes altered some cell firing but fields remained distinguishable.
- Remapping occurred in a changed box, but not typically in an unchanged, connected box.
Conclusions:
- The hippocampus maintains independent spatial maps for different environments.
- Map activation is primarily driven by the current sensory environment.