Coherent olfactory bulb gamma oscillations arise from coupling independent columnar oscillators.

Spike timing-based representations of sensory information depend on embedded dynamical frameworks within neuronal networks that establish the rules of local computation and interareal communication. Here, we investigated the dynamical properties of olfactory bulb circuitry in mice of both sexes using microelectrode array recordings from slice and in vivo preparations. Neurochemical activation or optogenetic stimulation of sensory afferents evoked persistent gamma oscillations in the local field potential.

Dendritic axon origin enables information gating by perisomatic inhibition in pyramidal neurons.

Information processing in neuronal networks involves the recruitment of selected neurons into coordinated spatiotemporal activity patterns. This sparse activation results from widespread synaptic inhibition in conjunction with neuron-specific synaptic excitation. We report the selective recruitment of hippocampal pyramidal cells into patterned network activity.

Enriched Environment Modulates Sharp Wave-Ripple (SPW-R) Activity in Hippocampal Slices.

Behavioral flexibility depends on neuronal plasticity which forms and adapts the central nervous system in an experience-dependent manner. Thus, plasticity depends on interactions between the organism and its environment. A key experimental paradigm for studying this concept is the exposure of rodents to an enriched environment (EE), followed by studying differences to control animals kept under standard conditions (SC).

Synchronicity of excitatory inputs drives hippocampal networks to distinct oscillatory patterns.

The rodent hippocampus expresses a variety of neuronal network oscillations depending on the behavioral state of the animal. Locomotion and active exploration are accompanied by theta-nested gamma oscillations while resting states and slow-wave sleep are dominated by intermittent sharp wave-ripple complexes. It is believed that gamma rhythms create a framework for efficient acquisition of information whereas sharp wave-ripples are thought to be involved in consolidation and retrieval of memory.

Differential effects of oxytocin on mouse hippocampal oscillations in vitro.

The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) controls childbirth and lactation, is involved in social behaviors, plays a role in various psychiatric disorders, and has effects on learning and memory. Although behavioral effects of OT have been extensively studied, much less is known about its effects on neuronal and network activity patterns. Here, we investigate the effect of OT on two major patterns of hippocampal network activity in mouse hippocampal slices.