Coherent delta-band oscillations between cortical areas correlate with decision making

Verónica Nácher, Anders Ledberg, Gustavo Deco, Ranulfo Romo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

124 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Coherent oscillations in the theta-to-gamma frequency range have been proposed as a mechanism that coordinates neural activity in large-scale cortical networks in sensory, motor, and cognitive tasks. Whether this mechanism also involves coherent oscillations at delta frequencies (1-4 Hz) is not known. Rather, delta oscillations have been associated with slow-wave sleep. Here, we show coherent oscillations in the delta frequency band between parietal and frontal cortices during the decision-making component of a somatosensory discrimination task. Importantly, the magnitude of this delta-band coherence is modulated by the different decision alternatives. Furthermore, during control conditions not requiring decision making, delta-band coherences are typically much reduced. Our work indicates an important role for synchronous activity in the delta frequency band when large-scale, distant cortical networks coordinate their neural activity during decision making.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15085-15090
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume110
Issue number37
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Sept 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Brain circuits
  • Low-frequency rhythm
  • Synchrony

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