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Deformation of attractor landscape via cholinergic presynaptic modulations: a computational study using a phase
Takashi Kanamaru1, Hiroshi Fujii, Kazuyuki Aihara
1Department of Innovative Mechanical Engineering, Kogakuin University, Tokyo, Japan. kanamaru@cc.kogakuin.ac.jp
Plos One
|January 18, 2013
Summary
Top-down attention, driven by acetylcholine (ACh) release, may dynamically modify neural circuits. This process could enable temporal memory reactivation by shifting brain states between attractor landscapes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Corticopetal acetylcholine (ACh) release from the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) is linked to top-down attention.
- ACh transiently disinhibits layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons (PYRs) via muscarinic effects on inhibitory synapses.
- The cognitive relevance of ACh-induced disinhibition on neural dynamics remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a theoretical mechanism for how ACh release and attention dynamically modify neural connectivity.
- To explore the role of transient synaptic modifications in temporal memory reactivation.
- To investigate the shift between different attractor landscapes under varying ACh levels.
Main Methods:
- Development of a conceptual computational model.
- Incorporation of experimental data on cortical layer 1 and 2/3 PYRs and interneurons (INs).
- Analysis of attractor dynamics and landscape deformations.
Main Results:
- ACh release, coupled with glutamatergic input, may facilitate temporal reactivation of attractors, serving as neural correlates of memory.
- Under low ACh (non-attentional), the brain exists in quasi-attractor states (Q-landscape).
- Under high ACh (attentional), the brain transitions to an attractor landscape (A-landscape), deforming the Q-landscape.
Conclusions:
- Transient synaptic modifications driven by ACh offer a potential neural mechanism for memory reactivation during attention.
- Attention-induced shifts in attractor landscapes may underlie dynamic cognitive processes.
- The model provides insights into the physiological implications of cholinergic modulation in cortical circuits.
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