Anticipation-induced delta phase reset improves human olfactory perception

PLoS Biol. 2020 May 26;18(5):e3000724. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000724. eCollection 2020 May.

Abstract

Anticipating an odor improves detection and perception, yet the underlying neural mechanisms of olfactory anticipation are not well understood. In this study, we used human intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) to show that anticipation resets the phase of delta oscillations in piriform cortex prior to odor arrival. Anticipatory phase reset correlates with ensuing odor-evoked theta power and improvements in perceptual accuracy. These effects were consistently present in each individual subject and were not driven by potential confounds of pre-inhale motor preparation or power changes. Together, these findings suggest that states of anticipation enhance olfactory perception through phase resetting of delta oscillations in piriform cortex.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anticipation, Psychological / physiology*
  • Biological Clocks
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Olfactory Perception / physiology*
  • Piriform Cortex / physiology*
  • Young Adult