Thalamocortical model for a propofol-induced alpha rhythm associated with loss of consciousness
Recent data reveal that the general anesthetic propofol gives rise to a frontal α-rhythm [alpha rhythm] at dose levels sufficient to induce loss of consciousness. In this work, a computational model is developed that suggests the network mechanisms responsible for such a rhythm. It is shown that pro...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en_US |
| Published: |
National Academy of Sciences
2011
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/64815 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5651-5060 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2668-7819 |
| Summary: | Recent data reveal that the general anesthetic propofol gives rise to a frontal α-rhythm [alpha rhythm] at dose levels sufficient to induce loss of consciousness. In this work, a computational model is developed that suggests the network mechanisms responsible for such a rhythm. It is shown that propofol can alter the dynamics in thalamocortical loops, leading to persistent and synchronous α-activity [alpha activity]. The synchrony that forms in the cortex by virtue of the involvement of the thalamus may impede responsiveness to external stimuli, thus providing a correlate for the unconscious state. |
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