Laminar recordings in frontal cortex suggest distinct layers for maintenance and control of working memory
Abstract
The anatomy and dynamics of different layers of the cerebral cortex are distinct. Physiological work in the sensory cortex has investigated how different layers process sensory inputs, and how they are engaged during attention tasks. In the frontal and prefrontal cortices, where lamination is present, very few studies have investigated the role of distinct layers for cognition. We studied frontal cortex laminar neuronal activity as monkeys performed working memory tasks. Spiking and gamma-band activity (50–150 Hz) in the superficial layers reflected active maintenance of working memories. Alpha/beta frequencies (4–22 Hz) in the deep layers modulated the gamma activity in the superficial layers. This might serve a control function, allowing information to enter or exit active storage in superficial layers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 16, 2018
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.1710323115
Entities
People
- André M Bastos
- Earl K. Miller
- Mikael Lundqvist
- Roman Loonis
- Simon Kornblith
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Office of Naval Research Global