Research reportCanonical correlation between LFP network and spike network during working memory task in rat

- Multi-channel recording in freely moving rats during a working memory task.
- Functional connectivity in LFP network and spike network estimated by DTF and MLE.
- Coordination between the two networks assessed via canonical correlation analysis.
- Coordination between the two networks enhanced in correct trials.
- Network integration may provide a potential mechanism for working memory.

Working memory refers to a system to temporary holding and manipulation of information. Previous studies suggested that local field potentials (LFPs) and spikes as well as their coordination provide potential mechanism of working memory. Popular methods for LFP-spike coordination only focus on the two modality signals, isolating each channel from multi-channel data, ignoring the entirety of the networked brain. Therefore, we investigated the coordination between the LFP network and spike network to achieve a better understanding of working memory. Multi-channel LFPs and spikes were simultaneously recorded in rat prefrontal cortex via microelectrode array during a Y-maze working memory task. Functional connectivity in the LFP network and spike network was respectively estimated by the directed transfer function (DTF) and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). Then the coordination between the two networks was quantified via canonical correlation analysis (CCA). The results show that the canonical correlation (CC) varied during the working memory task. The CC-curve peaked before the choice point, describing the coordination between LFP network and spike network enhanced greatly. The CC value in working memory showed a significant higher level than inter-trial interval. Our results indicate that the enhanced canonical correlation between the LFP network and spike network may provide a potential network integration mechanism for working memory.