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Reduced Prefrontal-Thalamic Theta Flow During Working Memory Retrieval in APP/PS1 Mice
Shengnan Zhang1, Hongrui Ai1, Jia Wang1
1School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|February 2, 2024
Summary
Working memory retrieval is impaired in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In AD model mice, information flow from the medial prefrontal cortex to the mediodorsal thalamus significantly decreased during memory retrieval.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Working memory deficits are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), impacting memory retrieval.
- The precise mechanisms underlying impaired working memory retrieval in AD remain under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate functional interactions and information transmission between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and mediodorsal thalamus (MD) in a mouse model of AD.
- To elucidate the role of mPFC-MD communication in memory retrieval processes affected by AD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a T-maze spatial working memory task in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and wild-type controls.
- Recorded local field potentials (LFPs) from the mPFC and MD to analyze oscillatory activity and information flow.
- Assessed temporal dynamics of neural activity and bidirectional information transfer during different task phases.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in theta-band information flow from the mPFC to the MD was observed in APP/PS1 mice compared to controls during memory retrieval.
- Alterations in oscillatory activity and functional connectivity were identified between the mPFC and MD in the AD model.
Conclusions:
- The mPFC-MD pathway plays a critical role in memory retrieval.
- Disrupted information transfer from the mPFC to the MD is a potential underlying mechanism for working memory deficits observed in Alzheimer's disease models.
