Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Recording Gamma Band Oscillations in Pedunculopontine Nucleus Neurons
Published on: September 14, 2016
A computational model of how an interaction between the thalamocortical and thalamic reticular neurons transforms the
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory for Computational Motor Control, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Ave, 416, Traylor Building, Baltimore, MD 21205-2195, USA. ahn@jhu.edu
Abstract:
In Parkinson's disease, neurons of the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) display the low-frequency tremor-related oscillations. These oscillatory activities are transmitted to the thalamic relay nuclei. Computer models of the interacting thalamocortical (TC) and thalamic reticular (RE) neurons were used to explore how the TC-RE network processes the low-frequency oscillations of the GPi neurons. The simulation results show that, by an interaction between the TC and RE neurons, the TC-RE network transforms a low-frequency oscillatory activity of the GPi neurons to a higher frequency of oscillatory activity of the TC neurons (the superharmonic frequency transformation). In addition to the interaction between the TC and RE neurons, the low-threshold calcium current in the RE and TC neurons and the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (I (h)) in the TC neurons have significant roles in the superharmonic frequency transformation property of the TC-RE network. The external globus pallidus (GPe) oscillatory activity, which is directly transmitted to the RE nucleus also displays a significant modulatory effect on the superharmonic frequency transformation property of the TC-RE network.
Related Concept Videos
Diencephalon: Thalamus and Information Relay
Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions
Indirect Motor Pathways
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...
Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...

