Timing and magnitude of frontal activity differentiates refixation and anti-saccade performance

Neuroreport. 2001 Jul 3;12(9):1863-8. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200107030-00020.

Abstract

EEG data were recorded while 10 subjects generated refixation saccades towards a visual target and antisaccades away from a visual cue. Theoretically, the same basic neural circuitry supports refixation and correct anti-saccade performances, with additional activity in primarily dorsolateral prefrontal cortex circuitry supporting antisaccade-associated inhibitory processes. Analyses demonstrated that sensory registration of visual stimuli is similar for refixation and anti-saccade conditions. Increased frontal brain activity at 5 and 15 Hz was observed preceding correct antisaccades when compared to refixation saccades. These analyses provide specific information suggesting that 160-60 ms before saccade generation is the critical period for response inhibition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Fourier Analysis
  • Frontal Lobe / anatomy & histology
  • Frontal Lobe / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nerve Net / anatomy & histology
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Neural Inhibition / physiology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Orientation / physiology
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Reaction Time / physiology*
  • Saccades / physiology*
  • Space Perception / physiology
  • Time Factors