Brain-state-dependent constraints on claustrocortical communication and function

Neural activity in the claustrum has been associated with a range of vigilance states, yet the activity patterns and efficacy of synaptic communication of identified claustrum neurons have not been thoroughly determined. Here, we show that claustrum neurons projecting to the retrosplenial cortex are most active during synchronized cortical states such as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and are suppressed during increased cortical desynchronization associated with arousal, movement, and REM sleep. The efficacy of claustrocortical signaling is increased during NREM and diminished during movement due in part to increased cholinergic tone. Finally, claustrum activation during NREM sleep enhances memory consolidation through the phase resetting of cortical delta waves. Therefore, claustrocortical communication is constrained to function most effectively during cognitive processes associated with synchronized cortical states, such as memory consolidation. [Display omitted] •Claustrum-retrosplenial neural activity is suppressed during REM sleep and movement•Claustrocortical activity and communication are increased in non-REM sleep•Claustrocortical communication is heightened during low cholinergic tone•Claustrum stimulation in non-REM sleep enhances the consolidation of a labile memory Marriott et al. show that claustrum neurons projecting to the retrosplenial cortex are suppressed during desynchronized cortical states such as locomotion, high arousal, and REM sleep. However, these neurons are preferentially active during NREM sleep. Activating claustrum-retrosplenial neurons during NREM increases episodic memory consolidation.