Authors:
Ryan T. Canolty
Erik Edwards
Sarang S. Dalal
Maryam Soltani
Srikantan S. Nagarajan
Heidi E. Kirsch
Mitchel S. Berger
Nicholas M. Barbaro
Robert T. Knight
Date: 2006
PubMed: 16973878
Abstract:
We observed robust coupling between the high- and low-frequency bands of ongoing electrical activity in the human brain. In particular, the phase of the low-frequency theta (4 to 8 hertz) rhythm modulates power in the high gamma (80 to 150 hertz) band of the electrocorticogram, with stronger modulation occurring at higher theta amplitudes. Furthermore, different behavioral tasks evoke distinct patterns of theta/high gamma coupling across the cortex. The results indicate that transient coupling between low- and high-frequency brain rhythms coordinates activity in distributed cortical areas, providing a mechanism for effective communication during cognitive processing in humans.