Brain states govern the spatio-temporal dynamics of resting-state functional connectivity

Elife. 2020 Jun 22:9:e53186. doi: 10.7554/eLife.53186.

Abstract

Previously, using simultaneous resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and photometry-based neuronal calcium recordings in the anesthetized rat, we identified blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses directly related to slow calcium waves, revealing a cortex-wide and spatially organized correlate of locally recorded neuronal activity (Schwalm et al., 2017). Here, using the same techniques, we investigate two distinct cortical activity states: persistent activity, in which compartmentalized network dynamics were observed; and slow wave activity, dominated by a cortex-wide BOLD component, suggesting a strong functional coupling of inter-cortical activity. During slow wave activity, we find a correlation between the occurring slow wave events and the strength of functional connectivity between different cortical areas. These findings suggest that down-up transitions of neuronal excitability can drive cortex-wide functional connectivity. This study provides further evidence that changes in functional connectivity are dependent on the brain's current state, directly linked to the generation of slow waves.

Keywords: brain states; fMRI; functional connectivity; neuroscience; optic-fiber-based calcium recordings; rat; slow oscillations; slow waves.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Mapping
  • Brain Waves / physiology*
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Female
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Photometry
  • Rats

Associated data

  • Dryad/10.5061/dryad.vmcvdncqk