10
$\begingroup$

I am planning an experiment using mice with in vivo extracellular recordings (and maybe also optogenetic stimulation). In these kinds of experiments, the mouse is getting a reward after executing a (short term) memory involved task.

I noticed that in the papers I read, it is not really possible to know if the observed $\gamma$-oscillations (for instance), derive from memory activation, or arousal (from thinking of the reward), or from attentiveness (from trying to execute the task correctly).

Are there any ideas or a good reference for this problem of distinguishing between these related cognitive activities?

Examples of experiments with humans will also help. Maybe not directly but will give some ideas about how these notions can be separated.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
4
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ They are factors that always operate and you should control them depending on the methodology and objectives. You should be more specific. I doubt that anyone can come to a conclusion about an experimental condition in which it is possible to discern between attentiveness, arousal and memory, for all possible experiments. $\endgroup$
    – hexadecimal
    Commented Jul 17, 2017 at 14:28
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ Could you please reference the papers you have read saying that "it is not really possible to know if the observed γ-oscillations (for instance), derive from memory activation, or arousal (from thinking of the reward), or from attemtivness [sic] (from trying to execute the task correctly)."? $\endgroup$
    – Chris Rogers
    Commented Jul 18, 2017 at 14:12
  • 4
    $\begingroup$ the answer to this question would be a majorly important piece of work. not something that is already known. $\endgroup$
    – honi
    Commented Jul 18, 2017 at 18:17
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ But interesting nonetheless. Have there been no studies using paradigms trying to discern between even two factors? $\endgroup$
    – Robin Kramer-ten Have
    Commented Jul 20, 2017 at 13:26

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3
$\begingroup$

You'd need to "shut down arousal" to give a causal dissociation of arousal and memory reactivation, right?

E.g. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3174240/

Then you'd need to define what do you mean by "memory activation", physiologically, and record there simultaneously with the above. This will introduce additional difficulty in a mouse due to its small size, -- depending on where do you want to record when looking for "memory activation".

However, you may try using a simpler to implement EEG screw to get the oscillations https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5802558/

But the above link is for a rat, and you'd have to confirm in the literature that you can get the gamma through an EEG screw in a mouse. Also consider that in conjunction with your search for the area where you want to record the gamma. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5333145/

which itself is tied to the experimental design (task) that captures "memory activation".

During training, and for validation you may employ a proxy for arousal in a form of pupil dilation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612940/ There you again need to confirm if someone has successfully used this measure in a mouse (the link is for humans, and it's possible in rats too).

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.