Changes in direct current (DC) potentials and infra-slow EEG oscillations at the onset of the luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse.

An essential function of the neuroendocrine system lies in the coordination of hypothalamo-pituitary secretory activity with neocortical neuronal activity. Cortical direct current (DC) potential shifts and EEG were monitored in conjunction with the circulating concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) in humans while asleep to assess a hypothalamic-neocortical interaction. The onset of an LH pulse was accompanied (i) at frontocortical locations by a transient positive DC potential shift of approximately 3 min duration and peak amplitude 50 microV; (ii) at frontal and central locations by an increase in power of infra-slow EEG oscillations for periodicities between 64 and 320 s. Results uniquely demonstrate a coupling of hypothalamo-pituitary activity with regulation of neocortical excitability.