Ordinal pattern analysis and pseudo transfer entropy in local field potential recordings

Abstract

Different brain regions relay information through electrical activity, frequently investigated in terms of individual action potentials (spikes) and local field potentials (LFP). Both spike and LFP activity evolve during learning, reflecting changes in synaptic strength underlying the learning processes. We designed a training protocol for rats in which animals learn to time an interval in a single session, allowing us to observe how electrophysiological activity changes during a short time interval. The main goal of this project is to understand the relationship between the prefrontal cortex and the striatum as the training unfolds. Despite the absence of direct pathways linking these regions, our previous results suggest the two brain areas cooperate during learning. Hence, we wish to investigate the functional relationship between the two brain regions regarding the direction of information and to investigate the patterns each region produces throughout the session. (AU)