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Published on: March 28, 2012
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Multiple Running Speed Signals in Medial Entorhinal Cortex
James R Hinman1, Mark P Brandon1, Jason R Climer2
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Systems Neuroscience, Center for Memory and Brain, Boston University, 2 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Neuron
|July 19, 2016
Summary
Two distinct speed signals in the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) were identified. Disruption of medial septum (MS) input independently affected these signals, suggesting different anatomical underpinnings.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Grid cells in the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) are crucial for path integration.
- Computational models propose oscillatory interference or attractor dynamics for path integration, often using running speed signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the firing rate and oscillatory speed signals in MEC are independent or coupled.
- To determine the role of medial septum (MS) input in modulating these speed signals.
Main Methods:
- Examined the coding of running speed in individual MEC neurons.
- Assessed the impact of medial septum (MS) input disruption on speed signal characteristics.
Main Results:
- Identified two independent speed signals within individual MEC neurons: one based on oscillatory frequency and another on firing rate.
- Removal of MS input strengthened the firing rate speed signal while weakening the oscillatory speed signal.
Conclusions:
- The MEC utilizes two dissociable neural signals for coding running speed.
- Medial septum (MS) input differentially modulates these two speed signals, indicating distinct anatomical substrates.
