Harnessing endogenous prefrontal-hippocampal theta coherence to enhance memory guided choices
Date
2023
Authors
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Working memory is a core executive function, defined by the ability to remember and mentally manipulate information. Frontally situated structures and their interactions across the brain support working memory. Synchronization of neural activity might structure this communication and is evident at the level of brain rhythms. In rats, spatial working memory is supported via interactions across the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), ventral midline thalamic, and hippocampal network. Synchrony between mPFC and hippocampal brain rhythms are correlated with memory-guided choice, raising the possibility that these patterns of synchrony can be harnessed for therapeutic purpose. To this end, I tested the hypothesis that mPFC-hippocampal synchrony can be harnessed to bias choice behavior. By developing a brain machine interface capable of tight experimental control based on mPFC-hippocampal neural synchrony (AIM #1), I showed that mPFC-hippocampal synchrony could be used to bias future choice (AIM #2). I then explored the role of the ventral midline thalamus on coordinating and supporting mPFC-hippocampal neural interactions (AIM #3). These results provide tools and new information regarding the structure of mPFC-hippocampal neural interactions, but most importantly, show the therapeutic potential for harnessing endogenous correlations between brain structures.
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Keywords
Brain machine, Hippocampus, Medial prefrontal cortex, Working memory, mPFC-hippocampal synchrony, Brain structures