Electrophysiological correlates of cortico-subcortical interaction: a cross-frequency spectral EEG analysis.

Clin Neurophysiol. 2006 Feb;117(2):381-7. Epub 2005 Dec 20.
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Schutter DJ, Leitner C, Kenemans JL, van Honk J.

Department of Psychonomics, Affective Neuroscience Section, Helmholtz Research Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2, 3584CS Utrecht, The Netherlands. d.schutter@fss.uu.nl

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have provided evidence for the notion that the coupling between slow and fast frequency in the EEG spectrum indicates cortico-subcortical cross-talk (CSC-ct).

In addition, findings for increased limbic activation due to reduced cortical inhibition have recently been acquired. To get further insights into these mechanisms, the current study investigated whether CSC-ct would decrease as a function of increased slow (SW) or fast wave (FW) activity.

METHODS: Resting state EEG recordings were obtained from 46 healthy, right-handed participants. CSC-ct was quantified by computing cross-frequency correlations between the power in the slow and fast frequency range. CSC-ct was compared between groups with relatively low and high SW activity and groups with relatively low and high FW activity.

RESULTS: Relatively reduced SW, but not FW activity was associated with a significant coupling between slow and fast frequency EEG. Furthermore, relatively enhanced resting state SW activity was paralleled by slow and fast frequency EEG decoupling.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings are in line with the notion that increased subcortical drive can go accompanied by reduced CSC-ct.

SIGNIFICANCE: Cross-frequency EEG analyses might provide a unique approach to obtain novel insights into cortico-subcortical interactions in relation to affective and cognitive behavior.