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Abstract #0032

Anatomical/Axonal Basis and Plasticity of Resting-State fMRI Connectivity in an Experimental Model of Corpus Callosum Transection

Iris Y. Zhou1, 2, Y. X. Liang3, Russell W. Chan1, 2, Shujuan Fan1, 2, Patrick P. Gao1, 2, Joe S. Cheng1, 2, K. F. So3, Ed X. Wu1, 2

1Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; 2Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; 3Department of Anatomy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China


This study explored the role of anatomical/axonal connections in resting-state fMRI connectivity and the plasticity of resting-state networks. Animal models of complete and partial corpus callosum (CC) transection were studied with rsfMRI in conjunction with intracortical EEG recording and Mn2+ tracing of axonal connections. At post-surgery day 7, resting-state connectivity significantly decreased in the cortical areas whose callosal connections were severed. At post-surgery day 28, disrupted connectivity was partly restored in partial transection group, likely through the spared pathways in remaining CC. These rsfMRI findings were paralleled by EEG recording and. Mn2+ tracing results. These results directly support the primary and indispensable role of anatomical/axonal connections via CC in resting-state fMRI connectivity, and that anatomical connection based resting-state networks can be plastic.