The role of the subthalamic nucleus in response inhibition: evidence from local field potential recordings in the human subthalamic nucleus.
Response inhibition as measured during a stop-signal task refers to the ability to halt an action that has already been set in motion. Cortical and sub-cortical structures, such as the subthalamic nucleus (STN), that are active during attempts to inhibit action are thought to contribute to a 'stop-process' that must gain dominance over a 'go-process' if inhibition is to be successful. We recorded local field potential activity from the STN of Parkinson's disease patients with implanted deep brain stimulation electrodes during a stop-signal task. In particular we measured activity in the STN that has traditionally been associated with motor action (gamma-band, 60-100 Hz) and inhibition (beta-band, 10-30 Hz). Our data support the idea that beta activity in the STN is related to the inhibition of motor action. Further, we report that gamma oscillatory activity responds robustly to stop-signals as well as go-signals. This unexpected finding might suggest that gamma activity supports a go-process that not only responds to go-signals, but is also sensitive to stimuli that signal stopping.
Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK. nicola.ray@utoronto.ca
Nicola J
NJ
Ray
John-Stuart
JS
Brittain
Peter
P
Holland
Raed A
RA
Joundi
John F
JF
Stein
Tipu Z
TZ
Aziz
Ned
N
Jenkinson
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008875:Middle Aged; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology*; D020531:Subthalamic Nucleus / Q000502:physiology*