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Mapping metabolic brain activation during human volitional swallowing: a positron emission tomography study using
Mary Louise Harris1, Peter Julyan, Bhavna Kulkarni
1Department of Gastrointestinal Science, University of Manchester, Hope Hospital, Manchester, UK. lou.harris@man.ac.uk
Summary
Positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG PET) effectively measures brain glucose metabolism during volitional swallowing. This technique offers better spatial resolution and allows for more natural task engagement in swallowing studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Physiology
Background:
- Labeled water positron emission tomography (H2(15)O PET) previously identified regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes during swallowing.
- Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG PET) offers superior spatial resolution and allows for physiological positioning compared to H2(15)O PET.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the brain's metabolic response during volitional swallowing using FDG PET.
- To assess the feasibility of FDG PET for studying brain activity in a more naturalistic swallowing task.
Main Methods:
- Eight healthy male volunteers underwent FDG PET scans.
- A randomized crossover design involved rest and water swallowing conditions for 30 minutes.
- Data analysis utilized SPM99 with a multisubject, condition, and covariate design.
Main Results:
- Swallowing increased regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCMRglc) in the left sensorimotor cortex, cerebellum, thalamus, precuneus, anterior insula, lateral postcentral gyrus, and occipital cortex (P<0.01).
- Decreased rCMRglc was observed in the right premotor cortex, sensory/motor association cortices, left posterior insula, and left cerebellum.
Conclusions:
- FDG PET is a viable method for measuring brain metabolic activity during volitional swallowing.
- The improved spatial resolution and task engagement of FDG PET have significant implications for future neuroimaging studies, particularly in patient populations with swallowing difficulties.