Cited by 1,609Neural dynamics and brain functionMemory and Neural MechanismsNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

The theta-gamma neural code

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Lisman, John E., Jensen, Ole·2013·Neuron

Abstract

Theta and gamma frequency oscillations occur in the same brain regions and interact with each other, a process called cross-frequency coupling. Here, we review evidence for the following hypothesis: that the dual oscillations form a code for representing multiple items in an ordered way. This form of coding has been most clearly demonstrated in the hippocampus, where different spatial information is represented in different gamma subcycles of a theta cycle. Other experiments have tested the functional importance of oscillations and their coupling. These involve correlation of oscillatory properties with memory states, correlation with memory performance, and effects of disrupting oscillations on memory. Recent work suggests that this coding scheme coordinates communication between brain regions and is involved in sensory as well as memory processes.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.neuron.2013.03.007

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  • Waking EEG recordings show that theta and gamma oscillations can interact with each other via cross-frequency coupling.

    “It should be noted that waking EEG recordings found that theta and gamma oscillations can interact with each other (i.e., cross-frequency coupling) (Canolty et al., 2006; Cohen, 2008; Kramer et al., 2008; Penny et al., 2008; Young and Eggermont, 2009; Tort et al., 2010; Onslow et al., 2011; for a review see Lisman and Jensen, 2013).”

    From The Functional Role of Dreaming in Emotional Processes (2019) · cites this paper as Lisman and Jensen, 2013

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Authors
Lisman, J. E., & Jensen, O.
Affiliations
  • Brandeis University (US)
  • Radboud University Nijmegen (NL)
Corresponding author
  • Lisman, John E.
  • Jensen, Ole
Venue
Neuron
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2013-03
Volume
77
Issue
6
Pages
1002-1016
ISSN
0896-6273 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W1976804176
Cited by
1,609
References
197
Citations by year
2026: 164 · 2025: 181 · 2024: 134 · 2023: 123 · 2022: 136 · 2021: 140 · 2020: 119 · 2019: 120 · 2018: 102 · 2017: 114 · 2016: 96 · 2015: 86 · 2014: 69 · 2013: 25
FWCI
7.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Neuron (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
  • University of Birmingham Research Portal (University of Birmingham) (submittedVersion)
  • Radboud Repository (Radboud University) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse
  • Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (453-09-002)
  • National Institutes of Health (5R01MH086518)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (1R01DA027807)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
Keywords
theta oscillations, gamma oscillations, cross-frequency coupling, neural coding, hippocampus, spatial memory, memory states, memory performance, interregional communication, sensory processing
MeSH terms
Animals, Hippocampus, Humans, Memory, Neural Pathways, Theta Rhythm, Brain Waves

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