# Cell-type-specific representation of spatial context in the rat prefrontal cortex

## TL;DR

The study shows how specific neurons in the rat prefrontal cortex encode spatial information and movement during goal-directed behavior.

## Contribution

The research introduces a PV-Cre rat line for studying inhibitory neuron function in spatial encoding.

## Key findings

- PV interneurons in the medial prefrontal cortex prominently encode spatial context.
- Gamma band oscillations correlate with movement toward reward but not spatial information.
- The PV-Cre rat line allows manipulation of PV neurons in behaving animals.

## Abstract

The ability to represent one’s own position in relation to cues, goals, or threats is crucial to successful goal-directed behavior. Using optotagging in knock-in rats expressing Cre recombinase in parvalbumin (PV) neurons (PV-Cre rats), we demonstrate cell-type-specific encoding of spatial and movement variables in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during goal-directed reward seeking. Single neurons encoded the conjunction of the animal’s spatial position and the run direction, referred to as the spatial context. The spatial context was most prominently represented by the inhibitory PV interneurons. Movement toward the reward was signified by increased local field potential (LFP) oscillations in the gamma band but this LFP signature was not related to the spatial information in the neuronal firing. The results highlight how spatial information is incorporated into cognitive operations in the mPFC. The presented PV-Cre line opens the door for expanded research approaches in rats.

•PrL neurons encode spatial and movement variables during goal-directed behavior•PrL PV neurons prominently encode the spatial context•Prefrontal encoding of spatial context modulates the rate of 30–50 Hz gamma bursts•The PV-Cre rat line enables study and manipulation of PV neurons in behaving rats

PrL neurons encode spatial and movement variables during goal-directed behavior

PrL PV neurons prominently encode the spatial context

Prefrontal encoding of spatial context modulates the rate of 30–50 Hz gamma bursts

The PV-Cre rat line enables study and manipulation of PV neurons in behaving rats

Biological sciences; Cellular neuroscience; Neuroscience