Cross-frequency coupling between slow harmonics via the real brainstem oscillators: An in vivo animal study

by Yoshinori Kawai

Brain waves of discrete rhythms (gamma to delta frequency ranges) are ubiquitously recorded and interpreted with respect to probable corresponding specific functions. The most challenging idea of interpreting varied frequencies of brain waves has been postulated as a communication mechanism in which different neuronal assemblies use specific ranges of frequencies cooperatively. One promising candidate is cross-frequency coupling (CFC), in which some neuronal assemblies efficiently utilize the fastest gamma range brain waves as an information carrier (phase-amplitude CFC); however, phase-phase CFC via the slowest delta and theta waves has rarely been described to date. Moreover, CFC has rarely been reported in the animal brainstem including humans, which most likely utilizes the slowest waves (delta and theta ranges). Harmonic waves are characterized by the presence of a fundamental frequency with several overtones, multiples of the fundamental frequency. Rat brainstem waves seemed to consist of slow harmonics with different frequencies that could cooperatively produce a phase-phase CFC. Harmonic rhythms of different frequency ranges can cross-couple with each other to sustain robust and resilient consonance via real oscillators, notwithstanding any perturbations.