The human K-complex represents an isolated cortical down-state.
Science
; 324(5930): 1084-7, 2009 May 22.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19461004
The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a mainstay of clinical neurology and is tightly correlated with brain function, but the specific currents generating human EEG elements remain poorly specified because of a lack of microphysiological recordings. The largest event in healthy human EEGs is the K-complex (KC), which occurs in slow-wave sleep. Here, we show that KCs are generated in widespread cortical areas by outward dendritic currents in the middle and upper cortical layers, accompanied by decreased broadband EEG power and decreased neuronal firing, which demonstrate a steep decline in network activity. Thus, KCs are isolated "down-states," a fundamental cortico-thalamic processing mode already characterized in animals. This correspondence is compatible with proposed contributions of the KC to sleep preservation and memory consolidation.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Fases del Sueño
/
Corteza Cerebral
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Fenómenos Electrofisiológicos
Límite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Science
Año:
2009
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos