Meeting Banner
Abstract #2126

Dynamic Structural-Functional Relationship between Left and Right Somatosensory Cortex in Rats across the Lifespan

Michel R.T. Sinke1, Milou Straathof1, Paul L. Weerheim1, Willem M. Otte1,2, and Rick M. Dijkhuizen1

1Biomedical MR Imaging and Spectroscopy Group, Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht / Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands, 2Department of Pediatric Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht / Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands

The relationship between structural and functional brain connectivity across the mammalian lifespan is largely unknown. To elucidate the temporal characteristics of this relationship we longitudinally acquired high-field resting-state fMRI and diffusion-MRI in rats, from early infancy to old age. We specifically examined the interhemispheric connectivity between homologous primary somatosensory cortices, a major part of the sensorimotor system. The structure-function correlation increased from about 0 during infancy to 0.4 around adulthood, followed by a further gradual increase towards old age. This reflects dynamic patterns of lifelong brain remodeling, which may underlie variations in brain disease etiology during development and ageing.

This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.

Join Here