Exploring Hippocampal Neural Network Dynamics in Rodents Using Virtual Reality: A Narrative Review on Systems, Spatial Coding, and Applications.

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) provides a highly controllable, immersive, and interactive platform for investigating hippocampal mechanisms underlying spatial learning and memory. In rodent models, VR-based paradigms have elucidated how hippocampal subregions including CA1, CA3, and the dentate gyrus support spatial representation, pattern separation, and memory consolidation. Within VR environments, place cells, grid cells, head-direction cells, and boundary vector cells exhibit characteristic remapping dynamics, reflecting both the experimental advantages and sensory constraints inherent to VR. Although VR enhances reproducibility and integrates seamlessly with advanced methodologies such as two-photon calcium imaging and optogenetics, reduced vestibular and multisensory inputs can limit the fidelity of spatial coding. This review synthesizes current evidence on hippocampal-retrosplenial interactions, synaptic plasticity, and multisensory integration in VR, highlighting mechanistic insights into spatial cognition.