Hemisphere-specific, differential effects of lateralized, occipital-parietal α- versus γ-tACS on endogenous but not exogenous visual-spatial attention

Sci Rep. 2020 Jul 23;10(1):12270. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-68992-2.

Abstract

Orienting spatial attention has been associated with interhemispheric asymmetry of power in the α- and γ-band. Specifically, increased α-power has been linked to the inhibition of unattended sensory streams (e.g. the unattended visual field), while increased γ-power is associated with active sensory processing. Here, we aimed to differentially modulate endogenous and exogenous visual-spatial attention using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). In a single-blind, within-subject design, participants performed several blocks of a spatial cueing task comprised of endogenous and exogenous cues while receiving lateralized α- or γ-tACS or no stimulation over left or right occipital-parietal areas. We found a significant, differential effect of α- and γ-tACS on endogenous (top-down) spatial attention but not on exogenous (bottom-up) attention. The effect was specific to tACS applied to the left hemisphere and driven by a modulation of attentional disengagement and re-orientation as measured during invalid trials. Our results indicate a causal role of α-/γ-oscillations for top-down (endogenous) attention. They may further suggest a left hemispheric dominance in controlling interhemispheric α-/γ-power asymmetry. The absence of an effect on exogenous attention may be indicative of a differential role of α-/γ-oscillations during different attention types or spatially distinct attentional subsystems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Orientation, Spatial*
  • Parietal Lobe / physiology*
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation*
  • Visual Perception*
  • Young Adult