Electrophysiological correlates of cortico-subcortical interaction: a cross-frequency spectral EEG analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Several studies have provided evidence for the notion that the coupling between slow and fast frequency in the EEG spectrum indicates cortico-subcortical cross-talk (CSC-ct). In addition, findings for increased limbic activation due to reduced cortical inhibition have recently been acquired. To get further insights into these mechanisms, the current study investigated whether CSC-ct would decrease as a function of increased slow (SW) or fast wave (FW) activity.


METHODS
Resting state EEG recordings were obtained from 46 healthy, right-handed participants. CSC-ct was quantified by computing cross-frequency correlations between the power in the slow and fast frequency range. CSC-ct was compared between groups with relatively low and high SW activity and groups with relatively low and high FW activity.


RESULTS
Relatively reduced SW, but not FW activity was associated with a significant coupling between slow and fast frequency EEG. Furthermore, relatively enhanced resting state SW activity was paralleled by slow and fast frequency EEG decoupling.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings are in line with the notion that increased subcortical drive can go accompanied by reduced CSC-ct.


CONCLUSIONS
Cross-frequency EEG analyses might provide a unique approach to obtain novel insights into cortico-subcortical interactions in relation to affective and cognitive behavior.
Schutter
Dennis J L G
DJ
Department of Psychonomics, Affective Neuroscience Section, Helmholtz Research Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2, 3584CS Utrecht, The Netherlands. d.schutter@fss.uu.nl
Leitner
Claudia
C
Kenemans
J Leon
JL
van Honk
Jack
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005121:Extremities / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016192:Resting Phase, Cell Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013223:Statistics as Topic