Cortical networks display persistent activity in the form of periods of sustained synchronous depolarizations ('UP states') punctuated by periods of relative hyperpolarization ('DOWN states'), which together form the slow oscillation. UP states are known to be synaptically generated and are sustained by a dynamic balance of excitation and inhibition, with fast ionotropic glutamatergic excitator...

The neurophysiological mechanisms by which anesthetic drugs cause loss of consciousness are poorly understood. Anesthetic actions at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels have been studied in detail at steady states of deep general anesthesia. However, little is known about how anesthetics alter neural activity during the transition into unconsciousness. We recorded simultaneous multiscal...

Éva Hideg and Sándor Dem eter Institute of Plant Physiology, Biological Research Center, Szeged, P. O. Box 521, Hungary, H-6701 Z. Naturforsch. 40c, 827—831 (1985); received May 23/July 24, 1985 Delayed Luminescence, Oscillation, Oxygen Evolution, Secondary Quinone Acceptor, Chloroplast The flash-induced oscillation of a slowly decaying component of delayed luminescence (half time ~ 42 s) was i...

Without any sensory input cortical networks may display spontaneous transitions between silent (hyperpolarized) and active (depolarized) states. These transitions may be periodic as observed during slow-wave sleep or irregular as spontaneous burst generation found in the isolated neocortical slabs. In this paper we will review intrinsic and synaptic mechanisms mediating properties of spontaneou...