Electrophysiological and pharmacological investigation of hippocampal formation function

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The long-term objective of my research program is to contribute to the understanding of the functions of the hippocampal formation and related structures (limbic cortex). My guiding hypothesis has been that these structures play a major role in sensorimotor integration. Specifically, I've posited that specific components of the of the neural circuitry in limbic cortex function in the capacity of providing voluntary motor systems with continually updated feedback on their performance relative to changing environmental (sensory) conditions. A crucial aspect of this performance is the intensity with which the motor programs are initiated and maintained. The components of the neural circuitry involved in sensorimotor integration are those underlying the production of oscillation and synchrony (theta) in limbic cortex. Brain rhythms such as theta band oscillation and synchrony appear to represent a basic mode of operation of large neural networks, allowing for the selective processing of information related to perceptual and behavioral states. Theta band oscillation and synchrony is a sinusoidal-like waveform with amplitude up to 2 mV and a narrow band frequency range of 3-12 Hz. The ultimate understanding of the functional significance of theta band oscillation and synchrony in limbic cortex will ultimately contribute to our understanding and treatment of hippocampal pathologies such Alzheimer's disease and epilepsies.