Information processing in long delay memory-guided saccades: further insights from TMS

Exp Brain Res. 2004 Jan;154(1):109-12. doi: 10.1007/s00221-003-1663-6. Epub 2003 Oct 25.

Abstract

The performance of memory-guided saccades with two different delays (3 s and 30 s of memorisation) was studied in eight subjects. Single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied simultaneously over the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) 1 s after target presentation. In both delays, stimulation significantly increased the percentage of error in amplitude of memory-guided saccades. Furthermore, the interfering effect of TMS was significantly higher in the short delay compared to that of the long delay paradigm. The results are discussed in the context of a mixed model of spatial working memory control including two components: First, serial information processing with a predominant role of the DLPFC during the early period of memorisation and, second, parallel information processing, which is independent from the DLPFC, operating during longer delays.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetics
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology*
  • Models, Neurological
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Reaction Time / physiology*
  • Saccades / physiology*
  • Space Perception / physiology*