Transmission delays and frequency detuning can regulate information flow between brain regions

Brain networks exhibit very variable and dynamical functional connectivity and flexible configurations of information exchange despite their overall fixed structure (connectome). Brain oscillations are hypothesized to underlie time-dependent functional connectivity by periodically changing the excitability of neural populations. In this paper, we investigate the role that the connection delay and the frequency detuning between different neural populations play in the transmission of signals. Based on numerical simulations and analytical arguments, we show that the amount of information transfer between two oscillating neural populations can be determined solely by their connection delay and the mismatch in their oscillation frequencies. Our results highlight the role of the collective phase response curve of the oscillating neural populations for the efficacy of signal transmission and the quality of the information transfer in brain networks. Author summary Collective dynamics in brain networks is characterized by a coordinated activity of their constituent neurons that lead to brain oscillations. Many evidences highlight the role that brain oscillations play in signal transmission, the control of the effective communication between brain areas and the integration of information processed by different specialized regions. Oscillations periodically modulate the excitability of neurons and determine the response those areas receiving the signals. Based on the communication trough coherence (CTC) theory, the adjustment of the phase difference between local oscillations of connected areas can specify the timing of exchanged signals and therefore, the efficacy of the communication channels. An important factor is the delay in the transmission of signals from one region to another that affects the phase difference and timing, and consequently the impact of the signals. Despite this delay plays an essential role in CTC theory, its role has been mostly overlooked in previous studies. In this manuscript, we concentrate on the role that the connection delay and the oscillation frequency of the populations play in the signal transmission, and consequently in the effective connectivity, between two brain areas. Through extensive numerical simulations, as well as analytical results with reduced models, we show that these parameters have two essential impacts on the effective connectivity of the neural networks: First, that the populations advancing in phase to others do not necessarily play the role of the information source; and second, that the amount and direction of information transfer dependents on the oscillation frequency of the populations.