Superior Temporal Gyrus Gamma Band and Low Frequency Activity in Patients with
Studies have observed differences in auditory gamma band responses (GBR) and low frequency responses (LFR) between patients with schizophrenia (Sz) and controls during the auditory paired-click task. These differences may underlie the patients' symptoms such as hallucinations. Despite the interest in auditory gating, the neural mechanisms of normal and abnormal gating are not understood and an examination of the activity of the frequency characteristics of the generator(s) involved in gating has yet to be undertaken. In this project, magnetoencephalography (MEG) was recorded from 15 controls and 22 patients to examine neural mechanisms in auditory brain areas. Auditory GBR and LFR were analyzed using novel signal processing techniques that allow examining the different frequencies that compose activity in specific brain regions. Reduced S1 M100 source strength was observed in patients with Sz. This seemed to be due to a decreased LFR in the patient group (although more subjects are needed for this group difference to reach significance). In addition, several measures suggest groups differences in the relationship between left and right STG activity. Finally, limitations in our data analyses strategy and ways to improve our analyses were noted. As our sample size increases and as our signal processing techniques are refined we hope that we will be able to more accurately describe the auditory abnormalities observed in patients with Sz.
School:
University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras
Department:
Psychology
Research Advisor:
Christopher Edgar
Department of Research Advisor:
Psychology
Year of Publication:
2005