What does gamma coherence tell us about inter-regional neural communication?

Nat Neurosci. 2015 Apr;18(4):484-9. doi: 10.1038/nn.3952. Epub 2015 Feb 23.

Abstract

Neural oscillations have been measured and interpreted in multitudinous ways, with a variety of hypothesized functions in physiology, information processing and cognition. Much attention has been paid in recent years to gamma-band (30-100 Hz) oscillations and synchrony, with an increasing interest in 'high gamma' (>100 Hz) signals as mesoscopic measures of inter-regional communication. The biophysical origins of the measured variables are often difficult to precisely identify, however, making their interpretation fraught with pitfalls. Here we discuss how measurements of inter-regional gamma coherence can be prone to misinterpretation and suggest strategies for deciphering the roles that synchronized oscillations across brain networks may play in neural function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cortical Synchronization / physiology*
  • Electrophysiology / methods*
  • Electrophysiology / standards
  • Gamma Rhythm / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology*
  • Nerve Net / cytology
  • Nerve Net / physiology*