Specific increase of human entorhinal population synaptic and neuronal activity during retrieval

Neuroimage. 2007 Aug 15;37(2):618-22. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2007.05.009. Epub 2007 May 18.

Abstract

Population transmembrane currents and neuronal firing in different layers of the human entorhinal cortex (ER) were recorded during semantic and episodic memory processes using a linear array of 24 laminar microelectrodes. Both measures, as well as local broadband spectral power, increased during retrieval of newly-learned characteristics, especially in superficial layers. No differences were observed in the activity evoked by remembering people as compared to places. Semantic retrieval evoked similar activity. In contrast, intentional encoding of declarative memory evoked relatively little activity. A double-dissociation of these responses with simultaneously recorded lateral inferotemporal recordings suggests that entorhinal cortex may be specifically engaged during retrieval, across multiple memory types and materials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electroencephalography
  • Entorhinal Cortex / physiology*
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology*
  • Mental Recall / physiology*
  • Microelectrodes
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Synapses / physiology*