Publication Alert
July 19 2023
Check out the new publication from Maanasa Jayachandran et al., titled "Nucleus Reuniens Transiently Synchronizes Memory Networks at Beta Frequencies," which was recently published in Nature Communications. This study sheds new light on episodic memory-based decision-making processes, elucidating the critical role of synchronized network oscillations and the thalamic nucleus reuniens (RE) in mediating prefrontal-hippocampal memory interactions.
Local field potentials were recorded from the prefrontal-nucleus reuniens-hippocampal network while rats engaged in a nonspatial sequence memory task. This allowed researchers to isolate memory-related activity from running-related oscillations and to evaluate the involvement of the nucleus reuniens.
During memory trials, activity in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus transitioned to beta events, whereas synchronous theta activity (6–12 Hz) dominated during non-memory–related running. Importantly, nucleus reuniens beta activity appeared first, followed by prefrontal and hippocampal synchronized beta. This finding supports the idea that prefrontal-hippocampal beta is driven by the nucleus reuniens.
Plexon products in this study include:
- Plexon 256-Channel Electrophysiology System: The researchers utilized Plexon's advanced 256-channel electrophysiology system to conduct high-quality electrophysiological recordings. This state-of-the-art system provides a reliable platform for capturing neural activity with exceptional accuracy and precision.
- CinePlex for Video Synchronization: To synchronize video data with electrophysiological recordings, the researchers integrated CinePlex and OmniPlex with Med Associates chambers. This seamless integration of video data enhances the comprehensive analysis of neural activity and behavioral responses.
- PlexBright for Optical Stimulation: For optogenetic stimulation, a PlexBright 4 channel controller was used to control a 465nm compact LED. A complex series of pulse and sine wave stimulations were delivered.
Fig. 1: Prefrontal-hippocampal system shows transient beta coherence in nonspatial sequence memory.
Fig. 4: Optogenetic stimulation of RE drives beta coherence in prefrontal-hippocampal system.
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