Cortex-Wide Neural Dynamics Predict Behavioral States and Provide a Neural Basis for Resting-State Dynamic Functional Connectivity

Authors

Somayeh Shahsavarani
David N Thibodeaux
Weihao Xu
Sharon H Kim
Fatema Lodgher
Chinwendu Nwokeabia
Morgan Cambareri
Alexis J Yagielski
Hanzhi T Zhao
Daniel A Handwerker
Javier Gonzalez-Castillo
Peter A Bandettini
Elizabeth M C Hillman

Publication Date

6-27-2023

Journal

Cell Reports

Abstract

Although resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have observed dynamically changing brain-wide networks of correlated activity, fMRI's dependence on hemodynamic signals makes results challenging to interpret. Meanwhile, emerging techniques for real-time recording of large populations of neurons have revealed compelling fluctuations in neuronal activity across the brain that are obscured by traditional trial averaging. To reconcile these observations, we use wide-field optical mapping to simultaneously record pan-cortical neuronal and hemodynamic activity in awake, spontaneously behaving mice. Some components of observed neuronal activity clearly represent sensory and motor function. However, particularly during quiet rest, strongly fluctuating patterns of activity across diverse brain regions contribute greatly to interregional correlations. Dynamic changes in these correlations coincide with changes in arousal state. Simultaneously acquired hemodynamics depict similar brain-state-dependent correlation shifts. These results support a neural basis for dynamic resting-state fMRI, while highlighting the importance of brain-wide neuronal fluctuations in the study of brain state.

Keywords

Animals, Mice, Brain Mapping, Brain, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Neurons, Hemodynamics, Rest, Neural Pathways

Comments

PMID: 37243588