Frequency and function in the basal ganglia: the origins of beta and gamma band activity

摘要

Key points class="unordered" style="list-style-type:disc" id="tjp12354-list-0001">Neuronal oscillations in the basal ganglia have been observed to correlate with behaviours, although the causal mechanisms and functional significance of these oscillations remain unknown.We present a novel computational model of the healthy basal ganglia, constrained by single unit recordings from non‐human primates.When the model is run using inputs that might be expected during performance of a motor task, the network shows emergent phenomena: it functions as a selection mechanism and shows spectral properties that match those seen in vivo.Beta frequency oscillations are shown to require pallido‐striatal feedback, and occur with behaviourally relevant cortical input. Gamma oscillations arise in the subthalamic–globus pallidus feedback loop, and occur during movement.The model provides a coherent framework for the study of spectral, temporal and functional analyses of the basal ganglia and lays the foundation for an integrated approach to study basal ganglia pathologies such as Parkinson's disease in silico.