Conjunctive representation of position, direction, and velocity in entorhinal cortex

Science. 2006 May 5;312(5774):758-62. doi: 10.1126/science.1125572.

Abstract

Grid cells in the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) are part of an environment-independent spatial coordinate system. To determine how information about location, direction, and distance is integrated in the grid-cell network, we recorded from each principal cell layer of MEC in rats that explored two-dimensional environments. Whereas layer II was predominated by grid cells, grid cells colocalized with head-direction cells and conjunctive grid x head-direction cells in the deeper layers. All cell types were modulated by running speed. The conjunction of positional, directional, and translational information in a single MEC cell type may enable grid coordinates to be updated during self-motion-based navigation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electrophysiology
  • Entorhinal Cortex / cytology*
  • Entorhinal Cortex / physiology*
  • Exploratory Behavior
  • Locomotion
  • Male
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Orientation*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Long-Evans
  • Space Perception*