Dynamic shifts in the parameters of the traditional frequency range of the EEG during learning in dogs

Abstract

The parameters of the electrical activity of various regions of the neocortex (NC) and the olfactory bulbs (OB) of dogs were studied by means of correlation-spectral analysis during the development of a food-dispenser paw pedal-pressing motor skill; a wide band of frequencies (1–100 Hz), which included both the traditional range (1–20 Hz) as well as high frequencies (HF), were used. Differences were demonstrated in the dynamics of the parameters in the NC and OB. The energy level of the potentials of the NC increased in the HF range (beta₃ and gamma), while in the OB it increased in the HF and alpha range. The coherence-phase characteristics of the NC potentials suggest that more stable (by comparison with resting wakefulness) temporal relationships between the oscillations not only within the limits of HF, but also in the alpha band, are formed in the presence of the developed skill. At the same time, greater phase shifts are characteristic for the interrelationships of the OB potentials and those of the NC, and the increase in coherence relates only to the HF range, whereas the oscillations of the traditional range are characterized by a decrease in coherence. The possible role of the alpha range (along with the HF) in the processing of information which supports appropriate behavior is stressed.