Narrowband gamma oscillations propagate and synchronize throughout the mouse thalamocortical visual system

Abstract

Oscillations of neural activity permeate sensory systems. In the visual system, broadband gamma oscillations (30-80Hz) are thought to act as a communication mechanism underlying perception. However, these oscillations show widely varying frequency and phase, providing constraints for coordinating spike timing across areas. Here, we examined Allen Brain Observatory data and performed causal experiments to show that narrowband gamma (NBG) oscillations (50-70Hz) propagate and synchronize throughout the awake mouse visual system. Lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) neurons fired precisely relative to NBG phase in primary visual cortex (V1) and multiple higher visual areas (HVAs). NBG neurons across areas showed a higher likelihood of functional connectivity and stronger visual responses; remarkably, NBG neurons in LGN, preferring bright (ON) versus dark (OFF), fired at distinct NBG phases aligned across the cortical hierarchy. NBG oscillations may thus serve to coordinate spike timing across brain areas and facilitate communication of distinct visual features during perception.