Corticostriatal Field Potentials Are Modulated at Delta and Theta Frequencies during Interval-Timing Task in Rodents.

Eric B Emmons,Ryan M Kelley,Nandakumar S Narayanan,Krystal L Parker,Rafael N Ruggiero

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00459

Eric B Emmons, Ryan M Kelley + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00459

Copy DOI

Abstract

Organizing movements in time is a critical and highly conserved feature of mammalian behavior. Temporal control of action requires corticostriatal networks. We investigate these networks in rodents using a two-interval timing task while recording LFPs in medial frontal cortex (MFC) or dorsomedial striatum. Consistent with prior work, we found cue-triggered delta (1–4 Hz) and theta activity (4–8 Hz) primarily in rodent MFC. We observed delta activity across temporal intervals in MFC and dorsomedial striatum. Rewarded responses were associated with increased delta activity in MFC. Activity in theta bands in MFC and delta bands in the striatum was linked with the timing of responses. These data suggest both delta and theta activity in frontostriatal networks are modulated during interval timing and that activity in these bands may be involved in the temporal control of action.

Highlights

The cortex and striatum are critical for the temporal control of action in mammals (Buhusi and Meck, 2005)
To test the idea that delta and theta bands are modulated during interval timing, we recorded field potentials from medial frontal cortex (MFC)
Time-frequency analysis demonstrated strong delta and theta activity 0–0.5 s after cue onset (Figures 2B,C)

Summary

Introduction

The cortex and striatum are critical for the temporal control of action in mammals (Buhusi and Meck, 2005) These regions are dysfunctional in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and PD, resulting in impaired temporal processing and other cognitive deficits (Malapani et al, 1998; Matell et al, 2003; Ward et al, 2012; Parker et al, 2015). Temporal control of action can be studied using an interval-timing task This task requires subjects to estimate an interval of several seconds by making a motor response. Goaldirected timing behavior shares resources with other executive processes (Brown et al, 2013; Parker et al, 2013) In both humans and rodents, prefrontal areas and dorsal striatum are required for temporal processing (Meck and Benson, 2002; Meck, 2006; Coull et al, 2011). MFC projects to dorsal and medial regions of the rodent

Methods

Results

Conclusion