Cortico-cortical interactions in spatial attention: A combined ERP/TMS study.
To gain insight into the neural basis of visual attention, we combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and event-related potentials (ERPs) during a visual search task. Single-pulse TMS over right posterior parietal cortex (rPPC) delayed response times to targets during conjunction search, and this behavioral effect had a direct ERP correlate. The early phase of the N2pc component that reflects the focusing of attention onto target locations in a search display was eliminated over the right hemisphere when TMS was applied there but was present when TMS was delivered to a control site (vertex). This finding demonstrates that rPPC TMS interferes with attentional selectivity in remote visual areas.
Fuggetta
Giorgio
G
Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, University College London, 17 Queen Sq., London, WC1N 3AR, UK. gfuggetta@yahoo.it
Pavone
Enea F
EF
Walsh
Vincent
V
Kiss
Monika
M
Eimer
Martin
M
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation