Cited by 73Memory and Neural MechanismsNeural dynamics and brain functionSpatial Cognition and Navigation

Distinct contributions of human hippocampal theta to spatial cognition and anxiety

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Cornwell, Brian R., Arkin, Nicole, Overstreet, Cassie, Carver, Frederick W., Grillon, Christian·2012·Hippocampus

Abstract

Current views of the hippocampus assign this structure, and its prominent theta rhythms, a key role in both cognition and affect. We studied this duality of function in humans, where no direct evidence exists. Whole-head magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data were recorded to measure theta activity while healthy participants (N = 25) navigated two virtual Morris water mazes, one in which they risked receiving aversive shocks without warning to induce anxiety and one in which they were safe from shocks. Results showed that threat of shock elevated anxiety level and enhanced navigation performance as compared to the safe condition. MEG source analyses revealed that improved navigation performance during threat was preferentially associated with increased left septal (posterior) hippocampal theta (specifically 4-8 Hz activity), replicating previous research that emphasizes a predominant role of the septal third of the hippocampus in spatial cognition. Moreover, increased self-reported anxiety during threat was preferentially associated with increased left temporal (anterior) hippocampal theta (specifically 2-6 Hz activity), consistent with this region's involvement in mediating conditioned and innate fear. Supporting contemporary theory, these findings highlight simultaneous involvement of the human hippocampus in spatial cognition and anxiety, and clarify their distinct correlates.

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  1. Gray J McNaughton N The Neuropsychology of Anxiety: an Enquiry into the Functions of the Septo-hippocampal System 2000 Second Edition Oxford Oxford University Press

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Authors
Cornwell, B. R., Arkin, N., Overstreet, C., Carver, F. W., & Grillon, C.
Affiliations
National Institutes of Health (US)
Corresponding author
Cornwell, Brian R.
Venue
Hippocampus
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2012-03-30
Volume
22
Issue
9
Pages
1848-1859
ISSN
  • 1050-9631 (ISSN-L)
  • 1098-1063
OpenAlex
W2063983402
Cited by
73
References
91
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 1
FWCI
3.44
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Hippocampus (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (Z99 MH999999)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (T32MH020030)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Automotive Engineering › Spatial Cognition and Navigation
Keywords
hippocampal theta rhythm, spatial cognition, anxiety, hippocampal subfields, anterior hippocampus, virtual Morris water maze, fear conditioning, navigation performance, MEG source localization
MeSH terms
Adult, Affect, Algorithms, Anxiety, Cognition, Female, Hippocampus, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Models, Neurological, Models, Psychological, Regression Analysis, Task Performance and Analysis, Theta Rhythm, User-Computer Interface, Magnetoencephalography, Maze Learning, Young Adult

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