Global and network functional connectivity of Nucleus Basalis of Meynert is strengthened in blind individuals

Abstract

AbstractVision loss causes dramatic changes in brain function which are thought to facilitate behavioral adaptation. One interesting prospect is that the cholinergic signals are involved in this blindness-induced plasticity. Critically, the nucleus basalis of Meynert is the principal source of the cholinergic signals, however, no studies have yet investigated whether the nucleus basalis of Meynert is altered in blindness. Therefore, here we examined its structure, cerebrovascular response, and the resting-state functional connectivity in blind individuals. We found that the global signal of the nucleus basalis of Meynert as well as its network connectivity with the visual, language, and default mode network is significantly enhanced in early blind individuals. On the other hand, its structure and cerebrovascular response remain unchanged in early blind individuals. Further, we observed that less visual experience predicts stronger global and network connectivity of the nucleus basalis of Meynert. These results suggest that the nucleus basalis of Meynert develops a stronger neuromodulatory influence on the cortex of blind individuals at both global and network levels.