Abstract

Neuronal activity in the brain gives rise to transmembrane currents that can be measured in the extracellular medium. Although the major contributor of the extracellular signal is the synaptic transmembrane current, other sources--including Na(+) and Ca(2+) spikes, ionic fluxes through voltage- and ligand-gated channels, and intrinsic membrane oscillations--can substantially shape the extracellular field. High-density recordings of field activity in animals and subdural grid recordings in humans, combined with recently developed data processing tools and computational modelling, can provide insight into the cooperative behaviour of neurons, their average synaptic input and their spiking output, and can increase our understanding of how these processes contribute to the extracellular signal.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Buzsáki G, Anastassiou CA, Koch C

Institution

Center for Molecular and Behavioural Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 197 University Avenue, Newark, New Jersey 07102, USA. gyorgy.buzsaki@nyumc.org

Source

Nature reviews. Neuroscience 13:6 2012 Jun pg 407-20

MeSH

Animals
Calcium Signaling
Electrical Synapses
Electroencephalography
Evoked Potentials
Extracellular Space
Humans
Ligand-Gated Ion Channels
Magnetoencephalography
Neural Conduction
Neuroglia
Neurons
Synapses
Voltage-Sensitive Dye Imaging

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22595786