Enhancement of spatial learning by 40 Hz visual stimulation requires parvalbumin interneuron-dependent hippocampal neurogenesis

Abstract

Acute and short-term rhythmic 40 Hz light flicker stimulation has shown promising results in alleviating cognitive impairments in mouse models of Alzheimers disease (AD), stroke, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Understanding the long-term impacts and underlying mechanisms is crucial to progress this approach for potential human therapeutic applications. Here, we show that prolonged exposure to 40 Hz light flicker (1 hour per day for 30 days) significantly improved spatial learning and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) without harmful behavioral side effects. Mice with transgenic deletion of doublecortin-positive cells (DCXDTR) in the adult hippocampus failed to exhibit enhanced neurogenesis and spatial learning with 40 Hz stimulation. Inactivation or knockout of GABAergic parvalbumin (PV) interneurons reduced the effects of 40 Hz entrainment and neurogenesis enhancement. Mechanistically, the stimulation did not alter the regional microvessel blood flow but significantly raised PV excitability and GABA levels and enhanced inhibitory transmission in the DG. Blocking GABAA receptors reversed the improvements in spatial learning and neurogenesis. These data showed that long-term exposure to 40 Hz light flicker enhances spatial learning through PV-dependent adult neurogenesis, which requires elevated GABA as a critical neurochemical mechanism for sustaining adult neurogenesis. In briefRhythmic 40 Hz light flicker alleviates cognitive impairments in diverse animal models of neurological diseases. Understanding its long-term effects and mechanisms is vital for advancing its therapeutic potential for humans. Here, we show that prolonged exposure to this flicker improves spatial learning and boosts adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. Activation of PV interneurons and GABAergic support for the newborn immature neurons underlie this effect, demonstrating lasting benefits for the treatment of neurological diseases. HighlightsO_LILong-term exposure to 40 Hz light flicker significantly improved spatial learning and neurogenesis in the hippocampus, devoid of adverse effects. C_LIO_LIThe 40 Hz light flicker evoked adult neurogenesis requires the activity of GABAergic inhibitory PV interneurons. C_LIO_LIThe 40 Hz light flicker raised GABA levels and enhanced inhibitory transmission in the DG. C_LIO_LIIncreased GABA serves as a vital neurochemical mechanism to support adult neurogenesis. C_LI