Autobiographical memory (AM) unfolds over time, but little is known about the dynamics of its retrieval. Space-based models of memory implicate the hippocampus, retrosplenial cortex, and precuneus in early memory computations. Here we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate the causal role of the precuneus in the dynamics of AM retrieval. During early memory construction, precuneus stimulation compared to vertex stimulation led to delayed evoked neural activity within 1000 ms after cue presentation. During later memory elaboration, stimulation led to decreased sustained positivity. We further identified a parietal late positive component during memory elaboration, the amplitude of which was associated with spatial perspective during recollection. This association was disrupted following precuneus stimulation, suggesting that this region plays an important role in the neural representation of spatial perspective during AM. These findings demonstrate a causal role for the precuneus in early AM retrieval, during memory search before a specific memory is accessed, and during the initial stages of memory elaboration and re-experiencing. By utilizing the high temporal resolution of MEG and the causality of TMS, this study helps clarify the neural correlates of early memory retrieval.

中文翻译：

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楔前叶刺激改变自传体记忆提取的神经动力学

自传体记忆 (AM) 随着时间的推移而展开，但对其检索的动态知之甚少。基于空间的记忆模型涉及早期记忆计算中的海马体、脾后皮层和楔前叶。在这里，我们使用经颅磁刺激 (TMS) 和脑磁图 (MEG) 来研究楔前叶在 AM 检索动力学中的因果作用。在早期记忆构建期间，与顶点刺激相比，楔前叶刺激导致在提示呈现后 1000 毫秒内延迟诱发神经活动。在后来的记忆阐述中，刺激导致持续积极性下降。我们进一步确定了记忆阐述过程中的顶叶晚期正成分，其幅度与回忆过程中的空间透视有关。这种关联在楔前叶刺激后被破坏，表明该区域在 AM 期间空间透视的神经表征中起着重要作用。这些发现证明了楔前叶在早期 AM 检索中、在访问特定记忆之前的记忆搜索期间以及在记忆细化和重新体验的初始阶段中的因果作用。通过利用 MEG 的高时间分辨率和 TMS 的因果关系，这项研究有助于阐明早期记忆检索的神经相关性。以及在记忆阐述和重新体验的初始阶段。通过利用 MEG 的高时间分辨率和 TMS 的因果关系，这项研究有助于阐明早期记忆检索的神经相关性。以及在记忆阐述和重新体验的初始阶段。通过利用 MEG 的高时间分辨率和 TMS 的因果关系，这项研究有助于阐明早期记忆检索的神经相关性。