Low-frequency oscillations of visual, auditory and somatosensory cortical neurons evoked by sensory stimulation

Low-frequency oscillations - LFOs - below 20 Hz in the activity of cortical neurons are a commonly observed property across all sensory modalities. However, the functional significance and potential role of these intrinsic oscillations are not well understood. Here, we attempt to provide a general framework for the interpretation of this phenomenon by considering its properties across several sensory modalities. In the first part, we provide a survey and a general description of low-frequency oscillations (LFOs) at a cellular level observed following adequate [Basar, and Schurmann, 1994]. Sensory stimulation of neurons recorded in three sensory modalities of neocortices in higher mammals. The second part will address some functional aspects of low-frequency oscillations (LFOs) such as stimulus selectivity and so-called 'interference' phenomena, specifically with findings related to 'resetting' and 'gating' of sensory processing streams. Finally, a hypotheses is outlined in which the low-frequency oscillations are regarded as an organizational principle by which continuity of sensory and motor states over time could be accomplished. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.