Central thalamus modulates consciousness by controlling layer-specific cortical interactions
bioRxiv Preprint Server October 1, 2019 Michelle J. Redinbaugh, Jessica M. Phillips, Niranjan A. Kambi et al. preprint
Consciousness requires the capacity to experience the environment and internal states. Recordings from macaques show that during unconsciousness, spiking activity is selectively reduced in deep cortical layers and thalamus, along with diminished interactions at alpha and gamma frequencies. Gamma-frequency stimulation of the central lateral thalamus in anesthetized macaques counteracted these changes and restored consciousness. The findings suggest that the neural correlates of consciousness involve coordinated activity across corticocortical feedforward and feedback pathways, intracolumnar loops, and thalamocortical circuits.