Gamma oscillations and the cellular components of consciousness?

Synchronized neuronal activity in the gamma frequency range (~30–100 Hz) may contribute to conscious perception. This chapter reviews mechanisms underlying gamma frequency generation and changes observed in schizophrenia. Recent optogenetic techniques, which genetically modify cells to respond to specific light wavelengths, now enable direct testing of how different neuronal classes contribute to network oscillations and potentially to consciousness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

There is evidence to suggest that synchronised neuronal activity, particularly that in the gamma frequency range (~30–100Hz) might contribute to conscious perception. In this chapter I shall discuss what we know about the mechanisms that underlie the generation of gamma frequency activity and the changes known to occur in diseases such as schizophrenia. Until recently it was difficult to test the role of individual neuronal subtypes in the generation of network oscillations. However, using the newly developed optogenetic techniques (in which cells are genetically modulated to make them responsive to specific wavelengths of light) it should now be possible to directly test the contribution of different neuronal classes to the generation of network oscillations and perhaps, therefore, consciousness.