Oscillatory changes in cognitive networks activated during a three-stimulus visual paradigm: An intracerebral study

ObjectiveThe aim of this work was to study the oscillatory changes during target and distractor stimuli processing. We focused mainly on responses after distractor stimuli in the prefrontal cortex and their possible relation to our previous results from the basal ganglia.MethodsFive epilepsy surgery candidates with implanted depth electrodes performed a three-stimulus paradigm. The frequent stimulus (70%; without required response) was a small blue circle, the target stimulus (15%; with motor response) was a larger blue circle, and the distractor stimulus (15%; without required response) was a checkerboard. The SEEG signals from 404 electrode contacts were analysed using event-related de/synchronization (ERD/S) methodology.ResultsThe main response to the target stimuli was ERD in the alpha and low beta bands, predominantly in the motor control areas, parietal cortex and hippocampus. The distractor stimuli were generally accompanied by an early theta frequency band power increase most markedly in the prefrontal cortex.ConclusionsDifferent ERD/S patterns underline attentional shifting to rare target (“go”) and distractor (“no-go”) stimuli.SignificanceAs an increase in lower frequency band power is considered to be a correlate of active inhibition, the prefrontal structures seem to be essential for inhibition of non-required movements.

► We studied oscillatory changes in cognitive networks activated during a three-stimulus paradigm.
► The SEEG signals were analysed using event-related de/synchronization methodology.
► Prefrontal structures seem to be essential in attention orienting response and generating the “no-go” signal.