Hippocampal frequency shifts in different behavioural situations

Abstract

Electrical activity of the dog's hippocampus was recorded in (a) an operant behaviour situation, and (b) a field situation by a radio-telemetering system. The dominant frequency of the theta rhythm shifted consistently from 4–5 c/sec to 6–7 c/sec when a dog (a) withdrew from a pedal after being rewarded or (b) switched from a ‘turning around’ type of activity to an act performed to catch an object thrown some distance away.

The frequency shift was quantified by integrated frequency analysis. Such a frequency shift is interpreted in behavioural terms by considering its appearance in different behavioural situations. The correlation between such shifts and switching from one behavioural act to another, within a behavioural mode characterized by movement, is stressed.