OLMα2 Cells Bidirectionally Modulate Learning

Inhibitory interneurons participate in mnemonic processes. However, defined roles for identified interneuron populations are scarce. A subpopulation of oriens lacunosum-moleculare (OLM) interneurons genetically defined by the expression of the nicotinic receptor alpha 2 subunit has been shown to gate information carried by either the temporoammonic pathway or Schaffer collaterals in vitro. Here we set out to determine whether selective modulation of OLM alpha 2 cells in the intermediate CA1 affects learning and memory in vivo. Our data show that intermediate OLM alpha 2 cells can either enhance (upon their inhibition) or impair (upon their activation) object memory encoding in freely moving mice, thus exerting bidirectional control. Moreover, we find that OLM alpha 2 cell activation inhibits fear-related memories and that OLM alpha 2 cells respond differently to nicotine in the dorsoventral axis. These results suggest that intermediate OLM alpha 2 cells are an important component in the CA1 microcircuit regulating learning and memory processes.