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Medial prefrontal activity during delay period contributes to learning of a working memory task.

Authors :
Liu D
Gu X
Zhu J
Zhang X
Han Z
Yan W
Cheng Q
Hao J
Fan H
Hou R
Chen Z
Chen Y
Li CT
Source :
Science (New York, N.Y.) [Science] 2014 Oct 24; Vol. 346 (6208), pp. 458-63.
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Cognitive processes require working memory (WM) that involves a brief period of memory retention known as the delay period. Elevated delay-period activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been observed, but its functional role in WM tasks remains unclear. We optogenetically suppressed or enhanced activity of pyramidal neurons in mouse mPFC during the delay period. Behavioral performance was impaired during the learning phase but not after the mice were well trained. Delay-period mPFC activity appeared to be more important in memory retention than in inhibitory control, decision-making, or motor selection. Furthermore, endogenous delay-period mPFC activity showed more prominent modulation that correlated with memory retention and behavioral performance. Thus, properly regulated mPFC delay-period activity is critical for information retention during learning of a WM task.<br /> (Copyright © 2014, American Association for the Advancement of Science.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1095-9203
Volume :
346
Issue :
6208
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
25342800
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1256573