Abnormal neural oscillations and synchrony in schizophrenia

Abstract

Converging evidence from electrophysiological, physiological and anatomical studies suggests that abnormalities in the synchronized oscillatory activity of neurons may have a central role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Neural oscillations are a fundamental mechanism for the establishment of precise temporal relationships between neuronal responses that are in turn relevant for memory, perception and consciousness. In patients with schizophrenia, the synchronization of beta- and gamma-band activity is abnormal, suggesting a crucial role for dysfunctional oscillations in the generation of the cognitive deficits and other symptoms of the disorder. Dysfunctional oscillations may arise owing to anomalies in the brain's rhythm-generating networks of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) interneurons and in cortico-cortical connections.

The translationally relevant mouse model of the 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome reveals deficits in neuronal spike firing matching clinical neurophysiological biomarkers seen in schizophrenia

“…2003, Gonzalez‐Burgos et al . 2010, Taylor & Tso 2014) as well as reduced capacity to generate gamma oscillations, as an important pathophysiological mechanism in schizophrenia (Uhlhaas & Singer 2010, Lewis et al . 2012).…”

“…Expression of FSI markers such as PV is reduced, and compromised interneurone function has been implicated in several psychiatric diseases including schizophrenia (Fuchs et al . 2007, Uhlhaas & Singer 2010, Carlén et al . 2012, Nilsson et al .…”

Highly Energized Inhibitory Interneurons are a Central Element for Information Processing in Cortical Networks

“…[9][10][11] Different classes of network oscillations provide such a fundamental mechanism by enabling coordinated synchronous activity during normal brain function. 9,12,13 There are multiple different classes of network oscillations, which span a wide range of frequencies from B0.05 to almost 1,000 Hz and which define different cognitive and behavioral states. 12 Dominant patterns in cortical networks comprise theta-(4 to 12 Hz), beta-(13 to 30 Hz) and gamma-(B30 to 100 Hz) frequency oscillations, which synchronize the action potential generation ('spiking') of principal cells with great precision, sometimes over large distances of corticocortical connections.…”

“…12 Dominant patterns in cortical networks comprise theta-(4 to 12 Hz), beta-(13 to 30 Hz) and gamma-(B30 to 100 Hz) frequency oscillations, which synchronize the action potential generation ('spiking') of principal cells with great precision, sometimes over large distances of corticocortical connections. 10,[13][14][15] Importantly, inhibitory interneurons have a key role in organizing these highly coordinated patterns of activity. In cortical networks, inhibition is mainly mediated by neurotransmitter, g-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and research during the past decade has revealed an astonishing heterogeneity of GABAergic interneurons at the molecular, morphologic and functional level.…”

“…Gamma oscillations have a strong relationship to higher brain functions. 7,11,13 Despite occurring in many cortical regions, gamma oscillations have been particularly well studied in the hippocampus that has become an important model system in cognitive neuroscience for several reasons. 10,16,[19][20][21] First, hippocampal gamma oscillations are evoked during specific behavioral states such as exploration.…”