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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
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Evaluation of Hemisphere Lateralization with Bilateral Local Field Potential Recording in Secondary Motor Cortex of Mice
Published on: July 31, 2019
Gamma oscillations coordinate amygdalo-rhinal interactions during learning.
Elizabeth P Bauer1, Rony Paz, Denis Paré
1Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07102, USA.
Summary
Fast brain oscillations coordinate activity between the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and rhinal cortices during learning. This coordination, particularly in the 35-45 Hz band, may enhance memory formation and synaptic plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- Rhinal cortices are crucial for memory by processing neocortical information for the hippocampus.
- The amygdala strongly influences rhinal memory functions due to extensive reciprocal connections.
- Neuronal oscillations are known regulators of brain activity during memory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if synchronized brain oscillations coordinate amygdala and rhinal cortex activity during learning.
- To determine the role of fast oscillations in mediating communication between the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and rhinal cortices.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous extracellular recordings of basolateral amygdala (BLA), perirhinal, and entorhinal cortex activity in rodents.
- Analysis of correlated power fluctuations in the 35-45 Hz frequency band during waking states.
- Assessment of neuronal firing patterns and entrainment to oscillations during a trace-conditioning learning task.
Main Results:
- Correlated power fluctuations between BLA and rhinal activity were prominent in the 35-45 Hz band.
- Neuronal firing within each structure rhythmically fluctuated with these fast oscillations.
- During learning, 35-45 Hz power increased in BLA and rhinal cortices, especially during conditioned stimulus presentation and delay.
- BLA oscillations rhythmically entrained the firing of BLA and rhinal neurons as learning progressed.
Conclusions:
- Fast oscillations (35-45 Hz) coordinate neuronal interactions within the BLA-rhinal network.
- These coordinated oscillations may facilitate synaptic plasticity and memory formation by organizing neuronal communication into discrete time windows.
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