Nonlinear phase-phase cross-frequency coupling mediates communication between distant sites in human neocortex

J Neurosci. 2009 Jan 14;29(2):426-35. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3688-08.2009.

Abstract

Human cognition is thought to be mediated by large-scale interactions between distant sites in the neocortex. Synchronization between different cortical areas has been suggested as one possible mechanism for corticocortical interaction. Here, we report robust, directional cross-frequency synchronization between distant sensorimotor sites in human neocortex during a movement task. In four subjects, electrocorticographic recordings from the cortical surface revealed a low-frequency rhythm (10-13 Hz) that combined with a higher frequency (77-82 Hz) in a ventral region of the premotor cortex to produce a third rhythm at the sum of these two frequencies in a distant motor site. Such cross-frequency coupling implies a nonlinear interaction between these cortical sites. These findings demonstrate that task-specific, phase-phase coupling can support communication between distant areas of the human neocortex.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Communication*
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Evoked Potentials, Motor / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Neocortex / physiology*
  • Nonlinear Dynamics*
  • Periodicity
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Reaction Time
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult