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Optogenetic Entrainment of Hippocampal Theta Oscillations in Behaving Mice
Published on: June 29, 2018
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Modulating medial septal cholinergic activity reduces medial entorhinal theta frequency without affecting speed or
Francis Carpenter1,2, Neil Burgess1,3, Caswell Barry4
1Institute of Neurology, UCL, Queen Square, WC1N 3BG, London, UK.
Scientific Reports
|November 8, 2017
Summary
Cholinergic neurons in the medial septum regulate theta oscillations and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. However, they do not impact grid cell firing patterns crucial for spatial navigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Medial septal inputs are vital for hippocampal temporal and spatial processing.
- The specific role of medial septal cholinergic neurons in these functions is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of medial septal cholinergic neurons to theta oscillations and grid cell firing.
- To examine the behavioral effects of modulating medial septal cholinergic activity.
Main Methods:
- Recorded neuronal activity and local field potentials in the medial entorhinal cortex of freely foraging mice.
- Modulated the excitability of medial septal cholinergic neurons.
Main Results:
- Reduced theta oscillation frequency without altering the theta frequency vs. running speed relationship.
- Observed behaviors indicative of novelty or anxiety.
- Found no changes in grid cell firing patterns or associated speed-encoding signals.
Conclusions:
- Medial septal cholinergic activity influences theta oscillations and anxiety-related behaviors.
- Grid cell function in spatial processing appears independent of direct medial septal cholinergic modulation.
