Slide 19

Intracellular and extracellular recordings in geniculate slices revealed the spontaneous occurrence of spindle waves. These spindle waves were associated with the arrival of repetitive inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) in thalamocortical neurons and the generation of rebound low threshold Ca2+ spikes and bursts of action potentials (right side of diagram).

In perigeniculate neurons, spindle waves are associated with the arrival of barrages of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), which activate low threshold Ca2+ spikes and bursts of action potentials. In this manner, spindle waves are generated as a cyclical loop between thalamocortical and perigeniculate cells (left side of diagram).

Bal, T., von Krosigk, M., and McCormick, D.A. (1995) Synaptic and membrane mechanisms underlying synchronized oscillations in the lateral geniculate nucleus in vitro. Journal of Physiology 483.3: 641-663.

Bal, T., von Krosigk, M., and McCormick, D.A. (1995) Role of the perigeniculate nucleus in the generation of synchronized oscillations in vitro. Journal of Physiology 483.3: 665-685.