Dopamine-induced relaxation of spike synchrony diversifies burst patterns in cultured hippocampal networks

H. Hoang, N. Matsumoto, M. Miyano, Y. Ikegaya, A. Cortese. Neural Networks 2025 Jan. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neunet.2024.106888

The essential role of dopamine in hippocampal function is well-established, yet its precise influence on neural networks remains unclear.

In this study, researchers investigated how dopamine-induced changes in network synchrony affect burst patterns in primary hippocampal cultures, using a comprehensive approach with electrophysiological recordings, pharmacological interventions, and computational analyses. The team used the MaxOne Single-Well HD-MEA System to examine the effects of dopamine on the spiking activity of cultured hippocampal neurons from a network-level perspective. Their findings reveal that dopamine decreases spike synchrony within hippocampal networks while increasing the number of network modules, each exhibiting more confined connectivity. These results suggest that dopamine actively restructures hippocampal networks, potentially influencing the flow of information in cognitive processes such as memory formation, decision-making, and attentional control.

By uncovering the mechanisms underlying dopamine-mediated modulation of information processing, this work provides key insights into the neural basis of hippocampus-dependent cognitive processes.

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MaxWell Biosystems extends heartfelt congratulations to all authors on this transformative research and eagerly looks forward to its future impact.