Slow intrinsic oscillations in thick neocortical slices of hypoxia tolerant deep diving seals

▶We study spontaneous activity in isolated neocortex slices from deep diving seals. ▶High hypoxia tolerance of seals allowed use of thick slices with intact networks. ▶This revealed non-rhythmic and rhythmic spontaneous activity in normoxia and hypoxia. ▶Oscillations were slower (<0.1 Hz) than previously shown in vitro in other species. ▶Intrinsic cortical activity may contribute to multiple activity states in mammals.