Local generation of theta-frequency EEG activity in the parasubiculum.

Full Abstract

The parasubiculum is a major component of the hippocampal formation that receives inputs from the CA1 region, anterior thalamus, and medial septum and that projects primarily to layer II of the entorhinal cortex. Hippocampal theta-frequency (4-12 Hz) electroencephalographic (EEG) activity has been correlated with sensorimotor integration, spatial navigation, and memory functions. The present study was aimed at determining if theta is also generated locally within the parasubiculum versus volume conducted from adjacent structures. In urethan-anesthetized rats, the phase-reversal of theta activity between superficial and deep layers of the parasubiculum was demonstrated using differential recordings from movable bipolar electrodes that eliminate the influence of volume-conducted activity. Parasubicular theta was abolished by atropine, and was in phase with theta in stratum radiatum/lacunosum-moleculare of the CA1 region. Whole cell current-clamp recordings in brain slices were then used to determine if parasubicular theta may be generated in part by membrane potential oscillations in layer II neurons. Membrane potential oscillations occurred in most layer II neurons, including four putative interneurons, when cells were held at near-threshold voltages using current injection. The frequency of oscillations increased from 3.2 to 6.1 Hz when bath temperature was raised from 22 to 32 degrees C, and oscillations persisted in the presence of blockers of fast ionotropic glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission. Oscillations are therefore likely generated by intrinsic, voltage-dependent ionic conductances. These results indicate that theta field activity is generated locally within the parasubiculum and that intrinsic membrane potential oscillations, synchronized by local inhibitory inputs, may contribute to the generation of this activity.

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Author information

Author/s: Glasgow, Stephen D (SD); Chapman, C Andrew (CA);

Affiliation: Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Dept. of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Rm. SP-244, Montréal, Québec H4B 1R6, Canada.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: In Vitro; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of neurophysiology (J Neurophysiol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Jun; vol 97 (issue 6) : pp 3868-79

Dates: Created 2007/06/07; Completed 2007/08/15;

PMID: 17392407, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate - pharmacology
Animals
Atropine - pharmacology
Electric Stimulation - methods
Electrodes
Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists - pharmacology
Hippocampus - anatomy & histology; cytology; physiology
Male
Membrane Potentials - drug effects; physiology; radiation effects

Muscarinic Antagonists - pharmacology
Nerve Net - drug effects; physiology
Neurons - drug effects; physiology; radiation effects
Patch-Clamp Techniques - methods
Quinoxalines - pharmacology
Rats
Rats, Long-Evans
Synaptic Transmission - drug effects; physiology; radiation effects
Theta Rhythm - drug effects

Associated Chemicals: Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists (0) ; Muscarinic Antagonists (0) ; Quinoxalines (0) ; 2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(f)quinoxaline (118876-58-7) ; Atropine (51-55-8) ; 2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate (76726-92-6)

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