From experimental phenomena to computational models: Exploring the synchronization mechanisms of phase-locked stimulation in the hippocampal–thalamic–cortical circuit for memory consolidation

Closed-loop phase-locking stimulation has been experimentally demonstrated to facilitate memory consolidation, which is believed to rely on the coordinated interactions among slow waves in multi-regional cortex, thalamocortical sleep spindles, and hippocampal ripples. However, the mechanisms through which this stimulation influences memory consolidation have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, starting from experimental phenomena, we computationally explored the synchronization mechanisms of memory consolidation in the hippocampal–thalamocortical (HTC) loop based on a firing rate model, and further reproduced the established effects of stimulation therapy on memory consolidation. The results indicate that excitatory connections between the cortex and hippocampus play a crucial role in the memory consolidation process. Additionally, our improved inhibitory closed-loop phase-locking stimulation protocol exhibits a more enhanced effect on memory consolidation compared to previous experimental stimulation schemes. Moreover, non-invasive stimulation shows lower side effects, costs, and implementation difficulties compared to invasive stimulation. Consequently, we further designed and explored the modulatory effects of a non-invasive magnetic–acoustic stimulation protocol. The results suggest that this non-invasive magnetic–acoustic stimulation yields effects comparable to those of existing invasive experimental deep brain stimulation. Our findings may provide new evidence and perspectives for understanding the neural mechanisms of memory processes and offer potential theoretical foundations for innovative non-invasive therapeutic strategies.