Altered Resting-State Default Mode Network Connectivity in Adults Prenatally Exposed to Alcohol

Priya Santhanam¹, Zhihao Li¹, Mary Ellen Lynch², Claire D. Coles², Xiaoping Hu¹

As the default mode network (DMN) has not been previously examined in a population with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), the current study examined resting state connectivity in DMN in two PAE groups versus healthy controls. The time course seed, used for cross-correlation, was taken from anterior cingulate region of deactivation during a cognitive task. Resting state synchrony of DMN was lower in both PAE groups as compared to controls (p=0.019 and p=0.027 for dysmorphic and non-dysmorphic, respectively); however, deactivation during cognition was not significantly different. Results imply PAE may be affecting connectivity at rest (baseline arousal) but not task-related arousal.