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Cingulate cortex: a closer look at its gut-related functional topography.
Adeyemi Lawal1, Mark Kern, Arthi Sanjeevi
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
|September 15, 2005
Summary
This study reveals distinct brain activity patterns in the cingulate cortex during gut sensations and external anal sphincter contraction (EASC). Gender influences anterior cingulate cortex activation, particularly with increasing rectal distension intensity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- The cingulate cortex is involved in gut-related sensory-motor functions.
- The precise topographical activation patterns within the cingulate cortex concerning varying visceral stimuli and gender remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map and compare cingulate cortex activation during different rectal distension levels (subliminal, perceived) and external anal sphincter contraction (EASC).
- To investigate potential gender-based differences in these activation patterns.
Main Methods:
- Functional MRI (fMRI) blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) technique was used.
- 18 healthy volunteers (10 female, 8 male) underwent fMRI scans.
- Stimuli included barostat-controlled rectal distensions and EASC.
Main Results:
- Viscerosensation predominantly activated the anterior cingulate cortex, while EASC activated the posterior cingulate cortex more.
- No significant gender difference was observed in EASC-related cingulate activation.
- A gender difference emerged in anterior cingulate cortex activation during perceived rectal distensions, with females showing stimulus-intensity-dependent responses.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal viscerosensation and EASC elicit distinct cingulate cortical activation patterns.
- Gender may influence cingulate cortical activation during viscerosensation, with females potentially showing greater cognitive recruitment at lower stimulus intensities.