Real-time imaging of hippocampal network dynamics and memory formation regulated by respiration using optogenetic manipulation

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K06533
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 46030:Function of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: Hyogo Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Nakamura Nozomu 兵庫医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (50450961)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 呼吸制御 / 吸息 / 記憶 / 認知 / エンコーディング / 光遺伝学 / AAV接種

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We previously discovered that timing of inspiration of respiratory cycles caused the decrease of accuracy of memory tasks in humans. We then hypothesized that “when encoding is completed, then inspiration emerges”. Its contraposition must be “when inspiration does not emerge, encoding is not completed”. The following experiment must be to clarify the contraposition.
Using genetically modified mice injected with recombinant AAV, we succeeded controlling inspiratory actions of the mice using a LED light. Then, animals decreased their performance of memory retrieval when their inspiratory arrests appeared during encoding of several memory tasks. These results suggested that inspiration may play an important role in completing memory encoding.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

呼吸が認知機能を制御するメカニズムが明らかにすることは、下位脳が上位脳を制御するメカニズムの証明となる。これらのメカニズムを知ることで、今後の社会において、これまで明らかにされていない認知機能の改善法やストレス低減を導くための重要な取り組みになると考えられる。