A pharmacological approach to oscillatory potentials in mice

Background. Oscillatory potentials can be elicited through flash stimulation, and recorded in cortical areas in man and other mammals. We started studying the phenomenon in mice, with the help of drugs active on the cholinergic system. Methods. Visual flash-evoked potentials (flash-VEPs) were gathered in CD1 mice bearing chronic epidural electrodes, then were filtered, and FFT was computed, before and after administration of physostigmine and scopolamine. Results. Oscillatory potentials are elicited by flash stimulation in the cortex of mice. Early components are synchronous with standard flash-VEPs. Latency, but not amplitude of these components are delayed when lower intensity flash is administered. Latency of waves and the spectral components of the oscillatory potentials are influenced by the administration of drugs. Conclusions. The mouse is suitable for investigations on the physiology and the pharmacological modulation of oscillatory potentials.