The gamma cycle

Activated neuronal groups typically engage in rhythmic synchronization in the gamma-frequency range (30–100 Hz). Experimental and modeling studies demonstrate that each gamma cycle is framed by synchronized spiking of inhibitory interneurons. Here, we review evidence suggesting that the resulting rh...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in neurosciences (Regular ed.) 2007-07, Vol.30 (7), p.309-316
Main Authors: Fries, Pascal, Nikolić, Danko, Singer, Wolf
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Action Potentials - physiology
Animals
Behavioral psychophysiology
Biological and medical sciences
Brain
Brain - cytology
Brain - physiology
Cells
Electrophysiology
Frequencies
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Interneurons - physiology
Models, Neurological
Neural Networks (Computer)
Neurology
Neurons
Neurosciences
Periodicity
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Pyramidal Cells - physiology
Reaction Time - physiology
Sleep. Vigilance
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
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Summary:Activated neuronal groups typically engage in rhythmic synchronization in the gamma-frequency range (30–100 Hz). Experimental and modeling studies demonstrate that each gamma cycle is framed by synchronized spiking of inhibitory interneurons. Here, we review evidence suggesting that the resulting rhythmic network inhibition interacts with excitatory input to pyramidal cells such that the more excited cells fire earlier in the gamma cycle. Thus, the amplitude of excitatory drive is recoded into phase values of discharges relative to the gamma cycle. This recoding enables transmission and read out of amplitude information within a single gamma cycle without requiring rate integration. Furthermore, variation of phase relations can be exploited to facilitate or inhibit exchange of information between oscillating cell assemblies. The gamma cycle could thus serve as a fundamental computational mechanism for the implementation of a temporal coding scheme that enables fast processing and flexible routing of activity, supporting fast selection and binding of distributed responses. This review is part of the INMED/TINS special issue Physiogenic and pathogenic oscillations: the beauty and the beast , based on presentations at the annual INMED/TINS symposium ( http://inmednet.com ).
ISSN:0166-2236
1878-108X
DOI:10.1016/j.tins.2007.05.005