Theta oscillations in the hippocampus

Neuron. 2002 Jan 31;33(3):325-40. doi: 10.1016/s0896-6273(02)00586-x.

Abstract

Theta oscillations represent the "on-line" state of the hippocampus. The extracellular currents underlying theta waves are generated mainly by the entorhinal input, CA3 (Schaffer) collaterals, and voltage-dependent Ca(2+) currents in pyramidal cell dendrites. The rhythm is believed to be critical for temporal coding/decoding of active neuronal ensembles and the modification of synaptic weights. Nevertheless, numerous critical issues regarding both the generation of theta oscillations and their functional significance remain challenges for future research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Animals
  • Biological Clocks / physiology
  • Dentate Gyrus / physiology
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Hippocampus / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / metabolism
  • Receptors, GABA-A / metabolism
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism
  • Theta Rhythm*

Substances

  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate