Oscillatory corticothalamic response to somatosensory input

We construct a model of the thalamocortical feedback loop using the Random Neural Network model to provide a theoretical explanation for cortical and thalamic damped rapid (circa 60-100 Hz) oscillations which have been observ ed in lightly anesthesized rats with somatosensory input Nicolelis (1997). Experimental data corroborates the choice of model parameter settings. Mode l predictions indicate that positive feedback loops and large signaling del ays within cortex significantly determine the oscillatory phenomenon and it s duration (i.e. its decay), while positive feedback from cortex to thalamu s is needed to;exhibit oscillations in thalamus. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.