Hippocampal ischemia causes deficits in local field potential and synaptic plasticity

The long-term enhancement in glutamate receptor mediated excitatory responses has been observed in stroke model. This pathological form of plasticity, termed post-ischemic long-term potentiation （i-LTP）, points to functional reorganization after stroke. Little is known, however, about whether and how this i-LTP would affect subsequent induction of synaptic plasticity. Here, we first directly confirmed that i-LTP was induced in the endothelin-l-induced ischemia model as in other in vitro models. We also demonstrated increased expression of NR2B, CaMKII and p-CaMKII, which are reminiscent of i-LTP. We further induced LTP of field excitatory post- synaptic potentials （fEPSPs） on CA1 hippocampal neurons in peri-infarct regions of the endothelin-l-induced mini-stroke model. We found that LTP of fEPSPs, induced by high-frequency stimulation, displayed a progressive impairment at 12 and 24 hours after ischemia. Moreover, using in vivo multi-channel recording, we found that the local field potential, which represents electrical property of cell ensembles in more restricted regions, was also dam- pened at these two time points. These results suggest that i-LTP elevates the induction threshold of subsequent synap- tic plasticity. Our data helps to deepen the knowledge of meta-synaptic regulation of plasticity after focal ischemia.

Effect of focused ultrasound stimulation at different ultrasonic power levels on the local field potential power spectrum

Local field potential(LFP) signals of the rat hippocampus were recorded under noninvasive focused ultrasound stimulation(FUS) with different ultrasonic powers. The LFP mean absolute power was calculated with the Welch algorithm at the delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands. The experimental results demonstrate that the LFP mean absolute power at different frequency bands increases as the ultrasound power increases.

Local field potentials,spiking activity,and receptive fields in human visual cortex

The concept of receptive field(RF) is central to sensory neuroscience. Neuronal RF properties have been substantially studied in animals,while those in humans remain nearly unexplored. Here, we measured neuronal RFs with intracranial local field potentials(LFPs) and spiking activity in human visual cortex(V1/V2/V3). We recorded LFPs via macro-contacts and discovered that RF sizes estimated from lowfrequency activity(LFA, 0.5–30 Hz) were larger than those estimated from low-gamma activity(LGA, 30–60 Hz) and high-gamma activity(HGA, 60–150 Hz). We then took a rare opportunity to record LFPs and spiking activity via microwires in V1 simultaneously. We found that RF sizes and temporal profiles measured from LGA and HGA closely matched those from spiking activity. In sum, this study reveals that spiking activity of neurons in human visual cortex could be well approximated by LGA and HGA in RF estimation and temporal profile measurement, implying the pivotal functions of LGA and HGA in early visual information processing.

Cortico-striatal gamma oscillations are modulated by dopamine D3 receptors in dyskinetic rats

Long-term levodopa administration can lead to the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Gamma oscillations are a widely recognized hallmark of abnormal neural electrical activity in levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Currently,studies have reported increased oscillation power in cases of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.However,little is known about how the other electrophysiological parameters of gamma oscillations are altered in levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Furthermore,the role of the dopamine D3 receptor,which is implicated in levodopa-induced dyskinesia,in movement disorder-related changes in neural oscillations is unclear.We found that the cortico-striatal functional connectivity of beta oscillations was enhanced in a model of Parkinson’s disease.Furthermore,levodopa application enhanced cortical gamma oscillations in cortico-striatal projections and cortical gamma aperiodic components,as well as bidirectional primary motor cortex(M1)↔dorsolateral striatum gamma flow.Administration of PD128907(a selective dopamine D3 receptor agonist)induced dyskinesia and excessive gamma oscillations with a bidirectional M1↔dorsolateral striatum flow.However,administration of PG01037(a selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist)attenuated dyskinesia,suppressed gamma oscillations and cortical gamma aperiodic components,and decreased gamma causality in the M1→dorsolateral striatum direction.These findings suggest that the dopamine D3 receptor plays a role in dyskinesia-related oscillatory activity,and that it has potential as a therapeutic target for levodopa-induced dyskinesia.

Novel Biological Based Method for Robot Navigation and Localization

The capability and reliability are crucial characteristics of mobile robots while navigating in complex environments. These robots are expected to perform many useful tasks which can improve the quality of life greatly. Robot localization and decisionmaking are the most important cognitive processes during navigation. However, most of these algorithms are not efficient and are challenging tasks while robots navigate through complex environments. In this paper,we propose a biologically inspired method for robot decision-making, based on rat’s brain signals. Rodents accurately and rapidly navigate in complex spaces by localizing themselves in reference to the surrounding environmental landmarks. Firstly, we analyzed the rats’ strategies while navigating in the complex Y-maze, and recorded local field potentials(LFPs), simultaneously.The recorded LFPs were processed and different features were extracted which were used as the input in the artificial neural network(ANN) to predict the rat’s decision-making in each junction. The ANN performance was tested in a real robot and good performance is achieved. The implementation of our method on a real robot, demonstrates its abilities to imitate the rat’s decision-making and integrate the internal states with external sensors, in order to perform reliable navigation in complex maze.

Encoding of rat working memory by power of multi-channel local field potentials via sparse non-negative matrix factorization

Working memory plays an important role in human cognition. This study investigated how working memory was encoded by the power of multichannel local field potentials （LFPs） based on sparse non negative matrix factorization （SNMF）. SNMF was used to extract features from LFPs recorded from the prefrontal cortex of four SpragueDawley rats during a memory task in a Y maze, with 10 trials for each rat. Then the powerincreased LFP components were selected as working memoryrelated features and the other components were removed. After that, the inverse operation of SNMF was used to study the encoding of working memory in the time frequency domain. We demonstrated that theta and gamma power increased significantly during the working memory task. The results suggested that postsynaptic activity was simulated well by the sparse activity model. The theta and gamma bands were meaningful for encoding working memory.

Mapping the Information Trace in Local Field Potentials by a Computational Method of Two-Dimensional Time-Shifting Synchronization Likelihood Based on Graphic Processing Unit Acceleration

The local field potential（LFP） is a signal reflecting the electrical activity of neurons surrounding the electrode tip. Synchronization between LFP signals provides important details about how neural networks are organized. Synchronization between two distant brain regions is hard to detect using linear synchronization algorithms like correlation and coherence. Synchronization likelihood（SL） is a non-linear synchronization-detecting algorithm widely used in studies of neural signals from two distant brain areas. One drawback of non-linear algorithms is the heavy computational burden. In the present study, we proposed a graphic processing unit（GPU）-accelerated implementation of an SL algorithm with optional 2-dimensional time-shifting. We tested the algorithm with both artificial data and raw LFP data. The results showed that this method revealed detailed information from original data with the synchronization values of two temporal axes,delay time and onset time, and thus can be used to reconstruct the temporal structure of a neural network. Our results suggest that this GPU-accelerated method can be extended to other algorithms for processing time-series signals（like EEG and f MRI） using similar recording techniques.

Somatosensory stimulation suppresses the excitability of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region in rats

The hippocampal region of the brain is important for encoding environment inputs and memory formation. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. To investigate the behavior of indi-vidual neurons in response to somatosensory inputs in the hippocampal CA1 region, we recorded and analyzed changes in local ifeld potentials and the ifring rates of individual pyramidal cells and interneurons during tail clamping in urethane-anesthetized rats. We also explored the mechanisms underlying the neuronal responses. Somatosensory stimulation, in the form of tail clamping, chan-ged local ifeld potentials into theta rhythm-dominated waveforms, decreased the spike ifring of py-ramidal cells, and increased interneuron ifring. In addition, somatosensory stimulation attenuated orthodromic-evoked population spikes. These results suggest that somatosensory stimulation sup-presses the excitability of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region. Increased inhibition by local interneurons might underlie this effect. These ifndings provide insight into the mechanisms of signal processing in the hippocampus and suggest that sensory stimulation might have thera-peutic potential for brain disorders associated with neuronal hyperexcitability.

(D-Ser2) oxyntomodulin recovers hippocampal synaptic structure and theta rhythm in Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mice

In our previous studies,we have shown that(D-Ser2)oxyntomodulin(Oxm),a glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1)receptor(GLP1R)/glucagon receptor(GCGR)dual agonist peptide,protects hippocampal neurons against Aβ1-42-induced cytotoxicity,and stabilizes the calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial membrane potential of hippocampal neurons.Additionally,we have demonstrated that(D-Ser2)Oxm improves cognitive decline and reduces the deposition of amyloid-beta in Alzheimer’s disease model mice.However,the protective mechanism remains unclear.In this study,we showed that 2 weeks of intraperitoneal administration of(D-Ser2)Oxm ameliorated the working memory and fear memory impairments of 9-month-old 3×Tg Alzheimer’s disease model mice.In addition,electrophysiological data recorded by a wireless multichannel neural recording system implanted in the hippocampal CA1 region showed that(D-Ser2)Oxm increased the power of the theta rhythm.In addition,(D-Ser2)Oxm treatment greatly increased the expression level of synaptic-associated proteins SYP and PSD-95 and increased the number of dendritic spines in 3×Tg Alzheimer’s disease model mice.These findings suggest that(D-Ser2)Oxm improves the cognitive function of Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mice by recovering hippocampal synaptic function and theta rhythm.

An Analog Front End for Recording Neuronal Activity in Freely Behaving Small Animals

Extracting characteristic brain signals and simultaneous recording animals behaving could help us to understand the complex behavior of neuronal ensembles. Here, a system was established to record local field potentials (LFP) and extracellular signal or multiple-unit discharge and behavior synchronously by utilizing electrophysiology and integrated circuit technique. It comprised microelectrodes and micro-driver assembly, analog front end (AFE),while a computer (Pentium III ) was used as the platform for the graphic user interface, which was developed using the LabVIEW programming language. It was designed as a part of ongoing research to develop a portable wireless neural signal recording system. We believe that this information will be useful for the research of brain-computer interface.

AB062. Cortical state contribution to neuronal response variability

Background:Visual cortex neurons often respond to stimuli very differently on repeated trials.This trial-by-trial variability is known to be correlated among nearby neurons.Our long-term goal is to quantitatively estimate neuronal response variability,using multi-channel local field potential(LFP)data from single trials.Methods:Acute experiments were performed with anesthetized(Remifentanil,Propofol,nitrous oxide)and paralyzed(Gallamine Triethiodide)cats.Computer-controlled visual stimuli were displayed on a gamma-corrected CRT monitor.For the principal experiment,two kinds of visual stimuli were used:drifting sine-wave gratings,and a uniform mean-luminance gray screen.These two stimuli were each delivered monocularly for 100 sec in a random order,for 10 trials.Multi-unit activity(MUA)and LFP signals were extracted from broadband raw data acquired from Area 17 and 18 using A1X32 linear arrays(NeuroNexus)and the OpenEphys recording system.LFP signal processing was performed using Chronux,an open-source MATLAB toolbox.Current source density(CSD)analysis was performed on responses to briefly flashed full-field stimuli using the MATLAB toolbox,CSDplotter.The common response variability(global noise)of MUA was estimated using the model proposed by Scholvinck et al.[2015].Results:On different trials,a given neuron responded with different firing to the same visual stimuli.Within one trial,a neuron’s firing rate also fluctuated across successive cycles of a drifting grating.When the animal was given extra anesthesia,neurons fired in a desynchronized pattern;with lighter levels of anesthesia,neuronal firing because more synchronized.By examining the cross-correlations of LFP signals recorded from different cortical layers,we found LFP signals could be divided to two groups:those recorded in layer IV and above,and those from layers V and VI.Within each group,LFP signals recorded by different channels are highly correlated.These two groups were observed in lighter and deeper anesthetized animals,also in sine-wave and uniform gray stimulus conditions.We also investigated correlations between LFP signals and global noise.Power in the LFP beta band was highly correlated with global noise,when animals were in deeper anesthesia.Conclusions:Brain states contribute to variations in neuronal responses.Raw LFP correlation results suggest that we should analyze LFP data according to their laminar organization.Correlation of low-frequency LFP under deeper anesthesia with global noise gives us some insight to predict noise from single-trial data,and we hope to extend this analysis to lighter anesthesia in the future.

Modulation of Beta Oscillations for Implicit Motor Timing in Primate Sensorimotor Cortex during Movement Preparation

Motor timing is an important part of sensorimotor control. Previous studies have shown that beta oscillations embody the process of temporal perception in explicit timing tasks. In contrast, studies focusing on beta oscillations in implicit timing tasks are lacking. In this study, we set up an implicit motor timing task and found a modulation pattern of beta oscillations with temporal perception during movement preparation. We trained two macaques in a repetitive visually-guided reach-to-grasp task with different holding intervals. Spikes and local field potentials were recorded from microelectrode arrays in the primary motor cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, and posterior parietal cortex. We analyzed the association between beta oscillations and temporal interval in fixedduration experiments(500 ms as the Short Group and1500 ms as the Long Group) and random-duration experiments(500 ms to 1500 ms). The results showed that the peak beta frequencies in both experiments ranged from15 Hz to 25 Hz. The beta power was higher during the hold period than the movement(reach and grasp) period.Further, in the fixed-duration experiments, the mean poweras well as the maximum rate of change of beta power in the first 300 ms were higher in the Short Group than in the Long Group when aligned with the Center Hit event. In contrast, in the random-duration experiments, the corresponding values showed no statistical differences among groups. The peak latency of beta power was shorter in the Short Group than in the Long Group in the fixed-duration experiments, while no consistent modulation pattern was found in the random-duration experiments. These results indicate that beta oscillations can modulate with temporal interval in their power mode. The synchronization period of beta power could reflect the cognitive set maintaining working memory of the temporal structure and attention.

Prepulse Inhibition of Auditory Cortical Responses in the Caudolateral Superior Temporal Gyrus in Macaca mulatta

Prepulse inhibition(PPI) refers to a decreased response to a startling stimulus when another weaker stimulus precedes it. Most PPI studies have focused on the physiological startle reflex and fewer have reported the PPI of cortical responses. We recorded local field potentials(LFPs) in four monkeys and investigated whether the PPI of auditory cortical responses(alpha, beta, and gamma oscillations and evoked potentials) can be demonstrated in the caudolateral belt of the superior temporal gyrus(STGcb). We also investigated whether the presence of a conspecific, which draws attention away from the auditory stimuli, affects the PPI of auditory cortical responses. The PPI paradigm consisted of Pulse-only and Prepulse + Pulse trials that were presented randomly while the monkey was alone(ALONE) and while another monkey was present in the same room(ACCOMP). The LFPs to the Pulse were significantly suppressed by the Prepulse thus, demonstrating PPI of cortical responses in the STGcb. The PPI-related inhibition of the N1 amplitude of the evoked responses and cortical oscillations to the Pulse were not affected by the presence of a conspecific. In contrast, gamma oscillations and the amplitude of the N1 response to Pulse-only were suppressed in the ACCOMP condition compared to the ALONE condition. Thesefindings demonstrate PPI in the monkey STGcb and suggest that the PPI of auditory cortical responses in the monkey STGcb is a pre-attentive inhibitory process that is independent of attentional modulation.

Electrophysiological Characterization of Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata in Anesthetized Rats

The substantia nigra pars reticulate(SNr),which plays a pivotal role in motor control,is the key structure in integrating information for cortex,basal ganglia and thalamus.Abnormal gait and posture deficits can be reversed by SNr deep brain stimulation(DBS)in certain Parkinson’s disease cases.However,functional characterization of SNr,which is the key for the optimization of DBS effect,remains elusive.In current study,we recorded extracellular single unit in SNr of urethane anesthetized rats.We have found that urethane can induce slow delta and theta oscillations in SNr local field potential.The high gamma oscillation observed is positively correlated with the occurrence of action potential.The putative GABAergic neurons have a mean firing rate of(20.82±2.04)Hz,of which 65.2%display a regular firing pattern and 34.8%show irregular firing.Our results demonstrated the heterogeneous property of SNr and provided possible theoretical basis for promoting the next generation of DBS electrode design and optimization of clinical DBS parameters.

Noninvasive Brain Neuromodulation Based on Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Stimulation

Low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulation(FUS), which possesses high spatial resolution and penetration depth, has been developing rapidly for noninvasive brain neuromodulation in recent years. In this letter, a low-intensity FUS system was developed for noninvasive brain neuromodulation in vivo. The radius of ultrasonic focal spot was quantitatively calculated in theory to evaluate the spatial resolution. The local field potential(LFP) of rat hippocompus were recorded before and after FUS. The effect of FUS on LFP power spectrum was investigated by computing the LFP mean absolute power and relative power with Welch algorithm. The experiment results show that noninvasive FUS can enhance LFP mean absolute power and alter the LFP relative power at different frequency bands. The results indicate that FUS can modulate brain rhythms and has significant potential in the modulation of neuronal and psychiatric diseases.