Abstract #3308

Functional Networks and Their Modulation by Cortisol as Investigated by Pseudo Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling (PCASL)

Ariane Orosz¹, Leila Maria Soravia¹, Andrea Federspiel¹, Roland Wiest², Thomas Dierks¹, Kay Jann¹

¹Dept. of Psychiatric Neurophysiology, University Hospital of Psychiatry / University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; ²Institut of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Bern / Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland

The effect of the stress-hormone cortisol on cerebral blood flow (CBF) within functionally connected networks (FCN) was investigated using arterial spin labeling (ASL). The cortisol level fluctuates in a diurnal rhythm and might alter network connectivity and metabolism in FCNs representing higher cognitive functions or emotional processing. Three groups with different cortisol levels (high, medium, low) were measured. The FCNs displaying the spatial pattern of the medial-temporal network and the default mode network were identified by independent component analysis. Network CBF quantification revealed different average CBF in distinct FCNs, but no particular impact of cortisol at resting state.