No abstract

The neuronal and network properties that persist during an isoelectric coma remain largely unknown. r We developed a new in vivo rat model to assess cell excitability and sensory responsiveness in the thalamo-cortical pathway during an isoflurane-induced isoelectric brain state. r The isoelectric electrocorticogram reflected a complete interruption of spontaneous synaptic and firing activities in cortical and thalamic neurons. r Cell excitability and sensory responses in the thalamo-cortical network persisted at a reduced level in the isoelectric condition and returned to control values after resumption of background brain activity. r These findings could lead to a reassessment of the functional status of the drug-induced isoelectric state: a latent state in which individual neurons and networks retain to some extent the ability of being activated by external inputs.