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| Poster #149 Local Field Potential Oscillations in the Olfactory-Limbic System Reflect Cognitive Load |
| Huibo Li1,2, Emma Bell3, Abigail Stuart1, Jamie Zeng3, Nasya Becton3, Leslie M. Kay1,2,3 1Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States 2Department of Psychology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States 3The College, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States |
Rat olfactory bulb (OB) local field potential (LFP) gamma (35–110 Hz) oscillations represent local network activity, and beta (15–30 Hz) activity is linked to systemwide engagement. Gamma band elevation during odor sampling is linked to the function of better fine (similar) odor discrimination. We investigate here the role of cognitive load and the associated LFP network states in driving increased gamma during an odor discrimination task. We used a variation of a 2-Alternative Choice (TAC) task in which higher cognitive load is achieved through an increased number of stimuli (4 instead of 2), highly similar odors (combinations of enantiomers), and low level of odor predictability. We used light cues to manipulate the predictability of the upcoming stimulus to affect discrimination difficulty. Male and female rats were implanted with LFP electrodes in the OB, anterior piriform cortex, and dorsal hippocampus (dentate gyrus[LK1] and CA1). Rats performed the TAC task with informative or non-informative cues. Manipulating the cognitive load for rats during this odor discrimination task affects rats’ behavioral strategies and network LFP activity. The informative group performed slightly but significantly better, using a longer sampling duration but a shorter response time. OB gamma oscillations are modified in both groups during the waiting, cue, odor sampling, and response periods, differently for the two groups. The nature of the odor (fine vs. coarse) also modified gamma and beta power. Beta power was lower in all areas during fine, compared to coarse, discrimination, and in the OB beta power also depended on cue condition, learning phase, and test type. Cue condition also affected gamma and beta power in the hippocampus. We also show robust sex differences in both behavior and network activity. |