Abnormal neural oscillations and synchrony in schizophrenia.
Converging evidence from electrophysiological, physiological and anatomical studies suggests that abnormalities in the synchronized oscillatory activity of neurons may have a central role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Neural oscillations are a fundamental mechanism for the establishment of precise temporal relationships between neuronal responses that are in turn relevant for memory, perception and consciousness. In patients with schizophrenia, the synchronization of beta- and gamma-band activity is abnormal, suggesting a crucial role for dysfunctional oscillations in the generation of the cognitive deficits and other symptoms of the disorder. Dysfunctional oscillations may arise owing to anomalies in the brain's rhythm-generating networks of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) interneurons and in cortico-cortical connections.
Uhlhaas
Peter J
PJ
Department of Neurophysiology, Max-Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt am Main, 60528, Germany. uhlhaas@mpihfrankfurt.mpg.de
Singer
Wolf
W
D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000502:physiology*; D003344:Cortical Synchronization / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000503:physiopathology*