Synchronized LFP rhythmicity in the social brain reflects the context of social encounters

Abstract

Mammalian social behavior is highly context-sensitive. Yet, little is known about the mechanisms that modulate social behavior according to its context. Recent studies have revealed a network of mostly limbic brain regions which regulates social behavior. We hypothesize that coherent theta and gamma rhythms reflect the organization of this network into functional sub-networks in a context-dependent manner. To test this concept, we simultaneously record local field potential (LFP) from multiple social brain regions in adult male mice performing three social discrimination tasks. While LFP rhythmicity across all tasks is dominated by a global internal state, the pattern of theta coherence between the various regions reflect the behavioral task more than other variables. Moreover, Granger causality analysis implicate the ventral dentate gyrus as a main player in coordinating the context-specific rhythmic activity. Thus, our results suggest that the pattern of coordinated rhythmic activity within the network reflects the subject’s social context.

Distinct prelimbic cortex neuronal responses to emotional states of others drive emotion recognition in adult male mice

“…EAr recordings: Electrophysiological recordings were conducted as previously described 29,50 via the RHD2000 evaluation system, using an ultra-thin SPI interface cable and a RHD2132 amplifier board (Intan Technologies). A custom-made Omnetics-to-MillMax adaptor was used to connect the electrode and amplifier.…”

“…All signals were analyzed using DeepPhenotyping, as previously described 50 . First, the signals were down-sampled to 5 kHz and low-pass filtered up to 0.3 kHz using a Butterworth filter.…”