biostudies-literatureUnknown2Barnett SCA hippocampal-diencephalic-cortical network supports memory function. The anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) form a key anatomical hub within this system. Consistent with this, injury to the mammillary body-ATN axis is associated with examples of clinical amnesia. However, there is only limited and indirect support that the output of ATN neurons actively enhances memory. Here, in rats, we first showed that mammillothalamic tract (MTT) lesions caused a persistent impairment in spatial working memory. MTT lesions also reduced rhythmic electrical activity across the memory system. Next, we introduced 8.5 Hz optogenetic theta-burst stimulation of the ATN glutamatergic neurons. The exogenously-triggered, regular pattern of stimulation produced an acute and substantial improvement of spatial workingCurrent research in neurobiology100022https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9559952biostudies-literatureAnterior thalamic nuclei neurons sustain memory.PMC9559952Young CKPerry BALWicky HEBarnett SCDalrymple-Alford JCHughes SMParr-Brownlie LCMcNaughton NfalseAnterior thalamic nuclei neurons sustain memory.A hippocampal-diencephalic-cortical network supports memory function. The anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) form a key anatomical hub within this system. Consistent with this, injury to the mammillary body-ATN axis is associated with examples of clinical amnesia. However, there is only limited and indirect support that the output of ATN neurons actively enhances memory. Here, in rats, we first showed that mammillothalamic tract (MTT) lesions caused a persistent impairment in spatial working memory. MTT lesions also reduced rhythmic electrical activity across the memory system. Next, we introduced 8.5 Hz optogenetic theta-burst stimulation of the ATN glutamatergic neurons. The exogenously-triggered, regular pattern of stimulation produced an acute and substantial improvement of spatial working2021-01-01T00:00:00Z20212025-04-04T23:01:54.95Z2025-04-04T23:01:54.95ZS-EPMC95599523624650410.1016/j.crneur.2021.100022