Spectral analysis of oscillatory neural circuits

Oscillatory dynamics are found at all levels of the nervous system. The goal of our current research on the control of rhythmic motor output by the lamprey spinal cord is to determine the features of neuronal coupling that lead to stable oscillatory activity and precisely-controlled intersegmental p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of neuroscience methods 1998-04, Vol.80 (2), p.113-128
Main Authors: Miller, William L, Sigvardt, Karen A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
CPG
Fourier Analysis
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects. Models. Methods
Lamprey
Lampreys
Locomotion
Locomotion - physiology
Modeling
Motor Neurons - physiology
Networks
Neural Pathways - physiology
Oscillations
Oscillometry - methods
Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
Spectrum Analysis - methods
Spinal cord
Spinal Cord - physiology
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
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Summary:Oscillatory dynamics are found at all levels of the nervous system. The goal of our current research on the control of rhythmic motor output by the lamprey spinal cord is to determine the features of neuronal coupling that lead to stable oscillatory activity and precisely-controlled intersegmental phase. Since our experimental manipulations can greatly increase the variability of the ventral root bursting pattern, it is important for us to employ a data analysis method which remains valid independent of this variability. Traditional analysis approaches which rely on identification of burst event times do not generally satisfy this requirement. In this paper, we illustrate the application of a straightforward statistically-based method for determining important parameters of oscillatory motor circuits using Fourier spectral analysis of spike trains. The frequency, phase, and their variabilities can be quantified; and the relative strength of coupling between different parts of the circuit can be tested for statistical significance. The approach we adopt is highly convenient for neuroscientists who study oscillatory systems as it operates directly on trains of action potentials stored as lists of event times (point-processes). Basic concepts and practical issues concerning use of Fourier analysis are discussed.
ISSN:0165-0270
1872-678X
DOI:10.1016/S0165-0270(97)00185-4