Synaptic conductances during sharp wave-ripple complexes
The mammalian
hippocampus displays EEG oscillations at various frequencies related to
different behavioural states. Theta (~5-10 Hz) and gamma band (~30-80
Hz) activities occur during spatial exploration and rapid eye movement
(REM) sleep. At rest and during slow-wave sleep, sharp waves (SPW) and
superimposed high-frequency ripples at ~200 Hz can be observed. Theta
and gamma periods have been implicated in the acquisition of memory
contents while sharp wave-ripple complexes (SPW-R) may serve a role in
the consolidation of recently acquired memories. This hypothesis is
based on the observation that sequential activation patterns of place
cells are established during spatial exploration and re-played, at
faster pace, during SPW-R in subsequent episodes of non-REM sleep. The
in vitro and in vivo experiments as well as in silico approaches
outlined in this proposal are designed to study the role and
contribution of hippocampal principal neurons as well as interneurons
during SPW-R. Furthermore, we will analyse the dynamic balance of
excitation and inhibition during this type of hippocampal network
activity.
| description of the 1st period | german version |
| description of the 2nd period |