Electrical fields can influence the activity of neurons, Yale scientists report in the July 15 issue of the journal Neuron.

The researchers introduced slow oscillation signals into brain tissue and found that the signal created a sort of feedback loop, with changes in electrical field guiding neural activity, which in turn strengthened the electrical field.

The finding helps explain why techniques that influence electrical fields such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and deep brain stimulation are effective for the treatment of various neurological disorders, including depression. The study also “raises many questions about the possible effects of electrical fields, such as power lines and cell phones, in which we immerse ourselves,” said David McCormick, the Dorys McConnell Duberg Professor of Neurobiology at Yale School of Medicine, a researcher of the Kavli Institute of Neuroscience and senior author of the study.

The ability of electric fields generated by the brain to influence its own activity appears to be particularly prominent during epileptic seizures. However, the study also demonstrates that the electrical fields also influence brain function during normal activities such as sleep.

McCormick said the findings change the way in which we view brain function and may be of significant clinical value in controlling epilepsy, depression and other neural dysfunctional states.

More info: Yale University news

Reference: Endogenous Electric Fields May Guide Neocortical Network Activity (free full-text access)