Interhemispheric connectivity during spontaneous switches in visual perceptual coherence as revealed by fMRI at multiple temporal resolutions
Author:
Sayal Alexandre1, Direito Bruno1, Sousa Teresa1, Duarte João2, Afonso Sónia1, Castelo-Branco Miguel1
Affiliation:
1. University of Coimbra 2. Champalimaud Foundation
Abstract
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows to observe neural activity in real-time but tracking the neural correlates of perceptual decision as a function of interhemispheric connectivity has remained difficult. Recent advances in image acquisition, namely with the surfacing of multiband sequences, have led us to investigate this mechanism using higher temporal resolution approaches. We were able to better capture the hemodynamic responses to rapid changes in neural activity concomitantly with a task requiring either perceptual interhemispheric segregation or integration, shortening the gap to other neuroimaging techniques, which is particularly significant when considering the study of dynamic connectivity patterns. Here, we tested the hypothesis whether interhemispheric connectivity in the visual cortex relates to interhemispheric integration, when presented with bistable moving stimuli at four distinct temporal resolutions. Based on this connectivity metric, we could discern perceptual state transitions related to connectivity. First, we found that activation response metrics to visual motion in our target region of interest, the human visual motion complex hMT+, are stable across temporal resolutions. Then, we investigated interhemispheric connectivity between homologous hMT + in response to bistable moving stimuli, for all resolutions, which was critical for replication of perception related interhemispheric synchrony. The established relation between perceptual coherence and increased synchrony across the hemispheres suggests the feasibility of a real-time fMRI neurofeedback based on interhemispheric connectivity. Accordingly, we could infer perceptual states based on this connectivity metric while designing a rule that could even be used to generate feedback. We further showed that higher resolution sequences are beneficial when implementing feedback interfaces based on interhemispheric functional connectivity, both regarding the delay and the accuracy of the feedback itself. Regarding the use of real time fMRI and neurofeedback strategies, higher resolution sequences are likely needed, when relying on connectivity metrics.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
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