Impact of background input on memory consolidation

Memory consolidation involves repeated replay of new information by the hippocampus, which transfers memories to the neocortex for long-term storage. This occurs mainly during slow wave sleep, a phase characterized in the cortex by low cholinergic tone and low afferent input. High cholinergic tone has been shown to hamper memory consolidation, probably mediated by reduced network excitability (the ease of activity propagation in a network). We used cortical neuronal networks on multi electrode arrays to investigate whether low background input contributes to memory consolidation. Networks received focal electrical stimuli to memorize, with or without background afferent input (global optogenetic stimulation). Background stimulation hampered memory formation and consolidation, confirming the importance of low background input. Moreover, it lowered network excitability, similar to high cholinergic tone. These findings suggest that high network excitability is a critical feature of slow wave sleep that facilitates memory consolidation.