Distinct oscillatory dynamics in the rat medial prefrontal cortex suggest beta bursts as a potential mediator of executive control

The ability to withhold a response and appropriately time one’s actions is an essential component of goal-directed behavior. Aspects of such cognitive control in rodents are supported by the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The mPFC and its subareas are a site of distinct delay-related activity during motor preparation. However, how mPFC integrates relevant information and exercises the control over behavioral responses remains incompletely understood. Here we characterized local field potentials (LFPs) within mPFC with a focus on the detection of beta bursts – discrete oscillatory events in the beta band (15-30Hz), which have been implicated in response inhibition in human subjects. Rats were trained to press and hold a lever for a designated delay time, and release in response to a tone within a limited time window. We implanted laminar silicone probes in the prelimbic and infralimbic areas of the mPFC and extracted LFPs while the rats were involved in the task. Beta bursts were differentially distributed across the dorso-ventral axis of the mPFC during task progression. Average power in multiple frequency bands was correlated with task periods and behavioral outcomes. Higher beta burst rate and burst occupancy during the delay period accompanied correct trials, compared to error trials. Together, our results suggest that beta bursts are a potential mediator of executive control and a predictor of task performance.