Network Oscillations Coordinate Neuronal Ensembles during Sleep-dependent Memory Consolidation

A major feature of mammalian sleep is the presence of low-frequency oscillations of highly synchronous activity between the cortex and thalamus, and between thalamocortical circuits and the hippocampus. We find that consolidation of fear memories and consolidation of plasticity in the visual system are blocked by disruption of these sleep-dependent oscillations (in hippocampal and thalmocortical circuits, respectively) in the hours following a learning experience. Our current data suggest that network oscillations are necessary to promote the stable reactivation of neuronal ensembles, which in turn drives long-term memory storage across brain circuits.